Terminal Services to Windows 2003 Server

[Diane Walker]

I would like to know if there is a limited number of concurrent sessions to
terminal service to Windows 2003 server. Thanks.

 

[Vera Noest [MVP]]

Not to Terminal Services, which implies in Application Server mode.
The number of connections is only limited by the number of licenses
that you purchase and install on the TS Licensing server. And the
hardware of your server, of course (performance).

If you mean what was called "Terminal Services in Remote
Administration mode" on a W2K server: this is now called Remote
Desktop for Administration on 2003.
You *don't* have to install it, it is already there. Just enable it
like on XP, in System - Properties - Remote.
You get a maximum of 3 concurrent connections: 2 normal connections
and one to the actual console (type mstsc /console). No additional
licensing requirements.

 

[Diane Walker]

Thank you very much for clarifying.

Not to Terminal Services, which implies in Application Server mode.
The number of connections is only limited by the number of licenses
that you purchase and install on the TS Licensing server. And the
hardware of your server, of course (performance).

If you mean what was called "Terminal Services in Remote
Administration mode" on a W2K server: this is now called Remote
Desktop for Administration on 2003.
You *don't* have to install it, it is already there. Just enable it
like on XP, in System - Properties - Remote.
You get a maximum of 3 concurrent connections: 2 normal connections
and one to the actual console (type mstsc /console). No additional
licensing requirements.

--
Vera Noest
MCSE, CCEA, Microsoft MVP - Terminal Server
http://hem.fyristorg.com/vera/IT
--- please respond in newsgroup, NOT by private email ---

 

[Diane Walker]

What is the difference between mstsc /console and the 2 normal connections?
Thanks.

 

[Vera Noest [MVP]]

mstsc /console connects you to session 0, which is the console
session. You will see exactly what is on the physical console.
There can be only one connection to session 0. If someone else is
logged on to the physical console, you will be offered to end that
session and take over the console session (if you are
Administrator).
Use this if you want to install software remotely.

Just starting the rdp client (which is mstsc.exe) from the start
menu gives you a normal session, with numbering from 1 and higher.
You won't see all the icons in the system tray and you won't see
any error messages that are only visible on the console.
Good for monitoring and such.

 

[Diane Walker]

Thank you very much for the explanation. Now, I see the difference between
the two. Again, thank you very much for your assistance.