I want to set up my windows firewall to only connect through the VPN. I was told that our VPN disconnects every 24 hours for a few minutes. I want to make sure our internet connection does not connect to any websites unless the VPN it works?
You can set up your VPN server to route all IP connections through the VPN, at least in OpenVPN. You don't specify whether you are running PPTP or OpenVPN. You bring up an interesting point--how to confirm that you are actually hooked up to the VPN before browsing anywhere. OpenVPN maintains a tray icon that gives you a green light when you are connected.