Help Using a Samsung Galaxy S3 to connect to a home VPN server over a public Wi-Fi network.

[SpaceBolt]

I'd like to securely browse the web using my Galaxy S3 while on a public Wi-Fi connection. I am thinking that a home VPN server would be the best way to go. The S3 has a VPN client built into the phone.
Questions

• Can I use the built-in VPN feature on my phone with ANY VPN server software? Or would I need to download an app that is specific to the VPN server application?
• Obviously my home computer would need to be powered on for the VPN server to work, but do I need to be logged into Windows for it to work? Or can it run as a service?

Notes

• My phone is not rooted and I would rather not root it
• My service provider is Verizon Wireless
• I have Windows 7 Pro at home
• I'd like to use a free solution, if possible

P.S. Here are some helpful links for anyone else who is looking to do this

• Setting Up VPN For Samsung Galaxy S3 - Setting Up VPN For Samsung Galaxy S3 : CountryVPN.com
• HTTPS (HTTP over SSL or HTTP Secure) - What is HTTPS (HTTP over SSL or HTTP Secure)? - Definition from WhatIs.com

 

[SpaceBolt]

Thanks.

Also, this link will be useful to some people who are digging up this thread in the future:

How To Setup VPN on Windows 7 as Home Solution - YouTube

 

[Arcticwolfx]

Hi all,

I've been trying this method setting up a VPN.
I allowed for incomming connections on a Windows 7 PC, and selected users (with password) to be allowed access.

I setup router port forwarding of port 1723 to the PC.

Trying to connect to the VPN from my Galaxy S3 i used PPTP and as Server address I set the IP of my modem(which is also the router.)

However it only comes up as "Unsuccessful"

I wonder what I'm missing?