Internet Connection Information

If you get your Internet service through a provider other than the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (such as American Online, Media one.or US West), you should still be able to connect to our databases. Just make sure that you use the connection links on the Bio-Medical Library's home page. You will still need to log in with your U of M Internet ID and password.

Alternatively, if you store database URLs in a Netscape Bookmarks or Internet Explorer Favorites list, and you frequently log in from off campus, make sure you save the database URL that asks you to log in (which begins with the Bio-Medical Library home page URL), not the URL you get after you log in.

If you are connecting from a business location, it is possible that your company has firewalls that are preventing you from connecting. One common difficulty is related to the ports to which company computers are allowed to connect. Our authentication software requires your computer be able to access port 2048, then one additional port (a different port for each database). Since we have no control over company firewall parameters, please check with your computer security personnel to see whether the ports to which you have outgoing access have been restricted. Provide them with the above information and ask them if the company firewall policy allows them to lift the restriction.

Please let us know if you experience problems connecting to our databases from off campus. Fill out the Ask Us form. We will get back to you within 24 hours, or you may call the Reference Desk at (612) 626-3260.

University of Minnesota Bio-Medical Library
Last Updated: 6/01