Microsoft Direct Access vs. VPN Access
Heads up! This is an older guide
This guide was created or last modified prior to 2019, and screenshots or individual steps may now be out of date. If you need assistance with the steps below, please email the Help Desk at ts@dornsife.usc.edu.
Microsoft DirectAccess is a program that is installed on your Dornsife-managed Windows computer. DirectAccess provides the ability to access your personal storage space (the U: drive), your department's shared storage space (the G: drive), and initiate remote desktop connections, without being connected to the USC network. Other services will likely require a VPN connection.
You do not need to manually install DirectAccess. All Dornsife-managed Windows computers are provided a copy of this software. Please note that Macintosh users will need to utilize a VPN connection, as DirectAccess is only available for Windows.
The following list provides details on when you can use DirectAccess and when you will need VPN. This list is not exhaustive, but should cover the most common use scenarios.
DirectAccess
VPN
- Dornsife Resources
- Network drives (G: and U:)
- Remote desktop
- Domain services
- Secure sections of myDornsife (secure sections have a padlock icon)
- Library resources (see electronic resources information for details)
- Secure checkout items
If you have any questions about DirectAccess, please contact Technical Support at ts@dornsife.usc.edu.