Simple setup for MIT VPN on Ubuntu 9.04 (jaunty):

1. sudo aptitude install network-manager-vpnc
2. Get an MIT VPN config file.
   If that link does not work, here is my copy (obtained 2009-10-29).
3. Click the Network Manager icon on your panel --> VPN connections --> Configure VPN --> Import.
   Import the config file of step 2 above.
4. Type in your Athena username next to "User name:".
5. Click on the "IPv4 Settings" tab. Then click on "Routes...".
   Uncheck the "Use this connection only..." box.
   Click "OK". Click "Apply". Click "Close".
6. Click the Network Manager icon on your panel --> VPN connections --> MITnet VPN Connection.
   Don't worry about the message that says "Please hit the continue button below...". There is no button.
7. Verify that you have an 18.100.*.* IP address.
   Have fun accessing MIT Libraries' electronic resources, student MATLAB, etc. :)

This procedure was scraped from a Debathena ticket. Thank you andersk, jdreed, and broder.