Introduction

Windows Server 2003, like Windows 2000, includes the Terminal Services component that enables you to connect from remote computers using a Terminal Services client (such as the Remote Desktop Connection [RDC] utility built into Windows XP and Windows Server 2003). A Windows Server 2003 terminal server can function in one of several ways. Using a client such as the RDC utility, administrators can perform management tasks on the server from any location on the network. When the terminal server role is installed, it turns the server into an application server, which enables multiple users to connect to the terminal server from thin clients or other computers running the client software. These clients can then run applications on a Windows Server 2003 desktop even if they are using older, less powerful operating systems or client hardware.

In this chapter, we will provide an overview of the benefits of using Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services and how to select the Terminal Services functionality that best fits your needs. We will discuss installation and configuration of the terminal server role, the Terminal Services client software, and licensing issues. You ll learn how to use the Terminal Services administrative tools, including the Terminal Services Manager and Terminal Services Configuration console tools. In addition, we ll discuss the Remote Desktop MMC snap-in, using group policies to control Terminal Services users and clients, Terminal Services extensions to the properties of user accounts and the Terminal Services command-line tools. Finally, we look at how to troubleshoot problems with...