Will I be able to use my company's VPN on a chromebook?

VPN
1

I am looking to buy a 2-in-1 laptop/tablet to replace my current laptop. The one that has caught my eye is the Asus Chromebook flip C433.

However, atleast for the next few months I would need to use it for work purposes. When working from home, my company requires that we log in to their VPN - which I have only seen used on Windows computers. Does anyone know if I would be able to use the VPN on this Chromebook?

Also any opinions on the Asus Chromebook are welcome :slight_smile:

Thanks.

2

Which vpn is it, and is it on the play store?

3

Iā€™ve had success in the past using vpns besides the ā€œrequiredā€ one. Worth a shot.

4

We use citrix at work (not quite the same I know) but if the apps are available then I donā€™t see why not.

I have a C433 and itā€™s a brilliant device for work - definitely a bargain at the current price - I paid Ā£100 more just 6 months or so ago.

5

My company uses Watchguard SSLV VPN.
The way Iā€™ve gotten it to work, is to download the VPN mobile config file and load it through Open VPN.

6

Do you have any other computers in the house? You could pick up a cheap, used office PC, plug it in and use it headless on your laptop via chrome remote desktop. Should only set you back $100 if you donā€™t already have a windows machine.

7

do you have an andriod phone? Maybe test the play store app on there.

Looks like you dont need an app though, if the company gives you the details to log on

https://www.watchguard.com/help/docs/help-center/en-US/Content/Integration-Guides/General/Chromebook_Firebox%20L2TP%20VPN.html

8

Yes. My company uses an android app to log into my company vpn. I works flawlessly.

9

Itā€™s ā€˜Watchguard Firebox SSLā€™. There is a Watchguard app and a Firebox app on the play store, but neither look identical to the link given by my company

10

Probably best to ask your companies IT guys.

11

You should probably reach out to your IT department or those who govern IT in your company. The short answer is yes - it is possible.

In our company we are now testing Chromebooks. We are a Enterprise which typically use Windows and Microsoft services.

What we are testing now is Chromebooks and identity/access via Active Directory (Azure) , kerberos tickets (for legacy windows apps) and VPN. The use case - a user pick-up a Chrombook, logon to the chromebook using their ordinary Windows credentials and off they go. At home they can start the VPN provider we use (program). So far it looks good.Iā€™ve used Chromebook for my daily workflow now since the COVID-19 break-out in Europe (home office since 15th March). Using O365 via browser is just perfect for me, fast , smooth and just what I need. Iā€™m also using Crostini for linux stuff.I have all kinds of computers, macOS , Linux and Windows. I seldom pick-up any of the others now, which feels strange as Iā€™ve been a huge macOS fan since 2003/4.Iā€™m looking for a OS which is open source and a computer which is just speedy, simple and secure. ChromeOS is just that. Itā€™s all about adopting another way of working, where most of your workload is through a browser.

Long answer - it is possible, reach out to your IT dept.

12

Hmmā€¦ Give me your company VPN login details and credentials and Iā€™ll test it out for you. Trust me, it probably wonā€™t be used for other purposes!!!