RDS (Terminal Server) Installation and Benefits


What is Terminal Server (RDS), and What Does It Do?
Terminal Server allows remote access to Windows-based programs installed on the server for users on client computers in a network environment. Users on client computers can connect remotely to the server and easily utilize the resources available on the server.


Benefits of Terminal Server:
Terminal Server helps minimize both hardware and software costs.
Facilitates easy management by establishing remote connections to client computers in the network.
Reduces the workload of system administrators.
Provides a quick solution to potential network issues.
Allows for easier control and maintenance of the system.


Considerations Before Installing Terminal Server:
Ensure at least one license server is present before using Terminal Server.
For larger networks, it is not recommended to have both Terminal Server and licensing services on the same physical machine.
Compatibility with the operating system to be used with Terminal Server is essential.
After installing Terminal Server licenses on the physical machine, license services must be activated for providing CAL services to client computers.
Licensing Models:
Terminal Server service is initially available for a 120-day trial period. After this unauthorized period, client computers in the network must purchase Licenses (CAL) to access the Terminal Server. There are two licensing types in Windows Server:
Per User Licensing:
Allows client computers in the network to access Terminal Server for a specific user.
Per User Licensing allows one license to provide unlimited hardware access to Terminal Server for a single user.
Per Device Licensing:
-Provides a temporary license to the user the first time a client computer connects to Terminal Server.
-In Per Device Licensing, when the license server is activated and the available CAL count is sufficient, a permanent license is granted to the user upon logging into Terminal Server.
-Now that we have briefly discussed Terminal Server licensing, we can proceed with the installation. -Before installing Terminal Server, follow the steps below:
Pre-installation preparations:
-Set the server name.
-Assign a static IP address to the server.
-Adjust the time zone.
-Join the server to the Active Directory domain.
-Enable Remote Desktop for remote access to the server.
(Note: Not recommended for security reasons, but in a test environment, disable Firewall and IE Enhanced Security settings to avoid potential issues during operation.)