Library

O. Cope Budge Library

Web Proxy Server Configuration

1. Read the Important Facts first.

2. Then choose the correct platform and browser based on your home computer configuration.

3. Please note that if you configure Internet Explorer to use the proxy, but still cannot access the databases, then try downloading Mozilla Firefoxand use the setup directions below for that browser instead.  Some of the librarians have found that using Firefox for the proxy has better results. However, some students have had success using Internet Explorer. 

At the end of the process, you may need to restart your computer.

Important Facts:

• What will this enable me to do?
  These instructions will help you configure your computer's web browser for use with the library's web proxy service. You'll then be able to access most library web-based resources, such as InfoTrac and JSTOR, from your home computer. If you use an Internet Service Provider (AOL, Earthlink etc.) via DSL, cable, ISDN or regular modem, and you want to connect to licensed Library Web resources (electronic journals, indexes etc.), you must use the Proxy Server. You do NOT need to use the Proxy if you are on campus.  
• Who may use the Web Proxy?
  Current VUSC students, faculty and staff, as well as emeritus faculty, are eligible.
• When going to a licensed Library Web resource, what information is required in the login and password fields?
  Students, faculty, staff, and emeritus faculty can now use their VU Campus Network username and password to gain access to the library resources through the proxy server. This username and password are the same ones used to access your VU e-mail or to log on in any of the VU computer labs. When you attempt to access one of the licensed library web resources, you will be prompted to enter this username and password. If you are a current student, faculty, staff member, or emeritus faculty, and you do NOT yet have your VU username and password, please contact the IT Department at (714) 556-3610 x4500 to obtain this information.
• Do I have to configure my browser every time I surf the Web?
  No. Once you have logged in you will not be prompted for your username and password again by the Proxy, unless you close and reopen your browser.
• What are the minimum requirements to use the Proxy with my home computer?
  A browser that has the Automatic Proxy Configuration capability is required. At present these are primarily Netscape (on Windows and Macintosh platforms), Microsoft Internet Explorer (on Windows platforms only), and Mozilla Firefox 2.0 (on Windows and Macintosh platforms). You can download these by clicking on the links.
• Who should I contact if I have difficulties configuring my browser?
  Call our Information Technology Department at 714-556-3610 x4500.

1. Open your Mozilla Firefox browser.  (Download and install Mozilla Firefox if you have not already done so.)
2.. Click the Tools menu and select Options from the drop-down list that appears.
3. Click the Advanced icon on the right side of the Options box.
4. Choose the second tab, the Network tab.
5. At the top of the network box, which says "Connection Configure how Firefox connects to the Internet, click Settings
6. In the Connection Settings box that appears, click the last radio button, labeled Automatic proxy configuration URL:.
7. Then, in the text-box directly beneath the button you just clicked, type http://vanpac.vanguard.edu/proxy/vuproxy.pac
8. Finally, click OK at the bottom of the Connection Settings box.  Click OK once more at the bottom of the Networkbox.
9. Go to the library home page (http://www.vanguard.edu/library). When you click on any database, two boxes will appear. In the first, type your username; in the second, type your password (the same you would use for accessing your Vanguard mail.)

• If you use a Macintosh, please note: no version of Microsoft Internet Explorer supports Automatic Proxy Configuration on the Macintosh. Download Netscape or Mozilla Firefox 2.0. to use the Library’s proxy service. At this point, Safari does not appear to support the Proxy Configuration.

• Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.11 on the Macintosh Platform for Windows
  1. Open your Mozilla Firefox browser.  (Download and install Mozilla Firefox if you have not already done so.)
  2.. Click the Firefox menu and select Preferences from the drop-down list that appears.
  3. Click the Advanced icon on the right side of the Preferences box.
  4. Choose the second tab, the Network tab.
  5. At the top of the network box, which says "Connection Configure how Firefox connects to the Internet, click Settings”
  6. In the Configure Proxies to Access the Internet box that appears, click the last radio button, labeled Automatic proxy configuration URL:.
  7. Then, in the text-box directly beneath the button you just clicked, type http://vanpac.vanguard.edu/proxy/vuproxy.pac
  8. Finally, click OK at the bottom of the Configure Proxies to Access the Internet box.  Then exit the Advanced box
  9. Go to the library home page (http://www.vanguard.edu/library). When you click on any database, two boxes will appear. In the first, type your username; in the second, type your password (the same you would use for accessing your Vanguard mail.)

America Online (AOL)

• If you use AOL, please note:
  AOL’s Web browser will not work with our proxy server. You will need to use Netscape Navigator while connected to your AOL account.
• To install Netscape Navigator for AOL:
  1. Start the America Online program.
  2. Enter keyword: Netscape
  3. Click on "Click Here!"
  4. Click on "Download Netscape "
  5. Follow the prompts to load and install Netscape
  6. Follow the steps to set up Netscape 4.x, 6.x, and 7.0

MS Internet Explorer 4.x (Windows only)

• Use Service Pack 1 (SP1) or higher. SP2 is highly recommended.
  1. Select View.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. Select the Connections tab.
  4. In the Automatic Configuration box click on Configure.
  5. Enter in this Address (URL): http://vanpac.vanguard.edu/proxy/vuproxy.pac
  6. Click on Refresh.
  7. Click on OK, then OK again on the Internet Options menu.

MS Internet Explorer 5.x or 6.x Dial-Up (Windows only)

• For Dial-Up Modem connections with Internet Explorer 5.x or 6.x
  1. Select Tools.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. Select the Connections tab.
  4. In the Dial-Up settings box find the icon with the name of your dial-up service. Click on the icon once to highlight it.
  5. Select Settings.
  6. Check the box next to "Automatically detect settings "
  7. Check the box next to "Use Automatic Configuration Script "
  8. Enter in this Addresshttp://vanpac.vanguard.edu/proxy/vuproxy.pac
  9. Click on OK then OK again on the Internet Options menu.

MS Internet Explorer 5.x or 6.x DSL or Cable Modem (Windows only)

• For use with a DSL or Cable Modem connection with Internet Explorer 5.0
  1. Select Tools.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. Select the Connections tab.
  4. Select LAN Settings.
  5. Select Settings.
  6. Check the box next to "Use Automatic Configuration Script"
  7. Enter in this Address http://vanpac.vanguard.edu/proxy/vuproxy.pac
  8. Click on OK, then OK again on the Internet Options menu.

Netscape 4.x, 6.x, or 7.x

• For use with all platforms
  1. Select Edit from the top of your browser window.
  2. Select Preferences.
  3. Click on the arrowhead (or in Netscape 4.x, the ‘+’) to the left of the Advanced option.
  4. Click on Proxies.
  5. Click on the Automatic proxy configuration button.
  6. Enter in the Configuration Location (URL): http://vanpac.vanguard.edu/proxy/vuproxy.pac