# What is a VPN and why do I care?

<span class="caps">VPN</span> stands for Virtual Private Network and it is invaluable when you want to use <span class="caps">UCLA</span> licensed resources from off-campus machines.

Specifically, the <span class="caps">UCLA</span> Library and the California Digital Library have licensed many different bibliographic and research databases that are restricted to <span class="caps">UCLA</span> machines.

If you have cable modem or <span class="caps">DSL</span> from home the [BruinOnline <span class="caps">VPN</span>](https://www.it.ucla.edu/bol/services/virtual-private-network-vpn-clients) enables you to login and access those databases as if you were in your office at <span class="caps">UCLA</span>.  
Note: <span class="caps">UCLA</span> <span class="caps">MFA</span> enabled users should consult **[Authenticating Using Multi-Factor Authentication on the Campus <span class="caps">VPN</span>](https://help.bol.ucla.edu/kb_view.do?sysparm_article=KB0012934)**.