The client supports a variety of operating systems, including Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, several Linux distributions, and OpenBSD. It can handle Cisco VPN connections that rely on pre-shared keys or certificates (IPSec) or with An圜onnect (SSL VPN). There are instructions on the Juniper Networks knowledgebase on configuring the client to work with SRX Services Gateway and ScreenOS firewalls, as well.
The software's website has instructions on configuring the software to work with Adtran NetVanta, Check Point NGx, Cisco ASA, Cisco IOS, Cisco PIX, DrayTek, Fortigate, Fritz!Box, Juniper SSG (with and without certificates), Lancom, Linksys, NetASQ, Netgear, Sidewinder 6.x, Sidewinder 7.x, Sonicwall, and ZyXEL Zywall.
Shrew Soft's VPN client is capable of working with VPN servers from several major commercial vendors, including Cisco, Zyxel, and Juniper Networks. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. ( See how we test.) With these products, you can create a VPN connection between individual endpoints and have secure connection on the fly. If you don't have a VPN server handy-either as a stand-alone product or as a feature on a firewall or a router-you would be better served looking at one of the all-in-one VPN software such as our Editors' Choices Logmein Hamachi and Comodo Unite.
If you already have a VPN server, then you should definitely consider Shrew Soft. Shrew Soft's VPN software is a true VPN client in that it connects to an existing VPN server, whether that's from the big giants such as Cisco or Juniper, or from smaller players such as Cisco's Linksys. The Shrew Soft VPN client takes the complexity out of the equation and makes establishing the VPN connection as simple as possible for the end-user. However, many of the vendor client offerings can be expensive and difficult to install. Organizations are increasingly offering employees remote VPN access to protect their network, data, and applications from outside threats. Shrew Soft VPN Client (Free) is a freely available IPSEC client for Windows and Linux machines used to connect to a Virtual Private Network.
Make sure you reset the Log output level to none after you have resolved the connection problem. When you set the Log output level to loud, the Shrew Soft VPN Trace utility can quickly generate a very large file.
From the Windows Start menu, select the Shrew Soft VPN Client > Trace Utility.If the Shrew Soft VPN client fails to connect, you can use the Shrew Soft VPN Trace utility to see more information about why the connection failed.