Since I moved to a Vista 64 bit desktop – I have noted some of the subtle and not so subtle differences in the terminal server client.
Specifically the annoying popup about not being able to verify the server you are connecting to
and its “fix” – Always connect, even if authentication fails
Server authentication
In Remote Desktop Connection, server authentication verifies that you are connecting to the correct remote computer or server. This security measure helps prevent you from connecting to a different computer or server than you intend to connect to. This also prevents you from unintentionally exposing confidential information.
By default, server authentication is enabled for the connection. However, if you want to change server authentication settings, follow these steps: 1. Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click Communication, and then click Remote Desktop Connection.
2. Click Options, and then click the Advanced tab.
The three available authentication options are as follows:• Always connect, even if authentication fails
If you enable this option, you can connect even if Remote Desktop Connection cannot verify the identity of the remote computer.
• Warn me if authentication fails
If you enable this option, Remote Desktop Connection cannot verify the identity of the remote computer. This option warns you so that you can decide whether to continue with the connection.
• Don’t connect if authentication fails
If you enable this option, you cannot connect if Remote Desktop Connection cannot verify the identity of the remote computer.
The new client contains the above Server Authentication along with resource redirection (for plug and play devices that support it) – and the addition of TS Gateway servers (which run of Server 2008)
The advantages of a TS Gateway server are as follows:• It enables Remote Desktop connections to a corporate network from the Internet without setting up a virtual private network (VPN) connection.
• It enables connections to remote computers across firewalls.
• It helps you share a network connection with other programs that are running on the computer. This enables you to use the Internet service provider (ISP) connection instead of the corporate network to send and receive data over the remote connection.
other changes include
Terminal Services Remote Programs
Remote Programs are a feature of Windows Server Terminal Services that lets client computers connect to a remote computer and use programs that are installed on it. For example, a workplace may have a remote computer to which employees can connect and run Microsoft Word. An administrator must first publish the programs for end-users to access them. The experience is the same as running a program that is installed on the computer.
Remote Programs make system administration easier because there is only one copy of a program to upgrade or to maintain instead of many copies that are installed on individual computers.
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Monitor spanning
Remote Desktop Connection supports high-resolution displays that can be spanned across multiple monitors. However, the total resolution on all monitors must be under 4096 x 2048 pixels. The monitors must have the same resolution. Additionally, the monitors must be aligned side-by-side.
To have the desktop of the remote computer span multiple monitors, type Mstsc /span at a command prompt.
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Visual improvements
Remote Desktop Connection now supports 32-bit color and font smoothing.
To enable 32-bit color, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click Communication, and then click Remote Desktop Connection.
2. Click Options, click the Display tab, and then click Highest Quality (32 bit) in the Colors list.
To enable font smoothing, follow these steps:1. Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click Communication, and then click Remote Desktop Connection.
3. Click Options, click the Experience tab, and then click to select the Font smoothing check box.