Purpose
Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2003, and Windows 2000 Server with
Remote Desktop Services (formerly known as Terminal Services) allow a server to host multiple, simultaneous client sessions. Microsoft's Remote Desktop uses Remote Desktop Services technology to allow
a single session to run remotely. A user can connect to a Remote Desktop Session Host (RD Session Host) server (formerly known as a terminal server) by using Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client
software. The Remote Desktop Web Connection extends Remote Desktop Services technology to the Web.
Where Applicable
A Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client can exist in a variety of forms. Thin-client hardware devices that run an embedded
Windows-based operating system can run the RDC client software to connect to an RD Session Host server.
Windows, Macintosh, or UNIX computers can run RDC client software to connect to an RD Session Host server to
display Microsoft Windows-based applications. This combination of RDC clients provides access to Microsoft Windows-based
applications from virtually any operating system.
Developer Audience
The Remote Desktop Services API is designed for use by C/C++ programmers. Familiarity with client/server architecture
is required. The Remote Desktop Web Connection includes scriptable interfaces to create and deploy scriptable
virtual channels within Remote Desktop Services Web applications.
Run-Time Requirements
Applications that use the Remote Desktop Services require Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, or
Windows 2000. To use Remote Desktop Web Connection functionality, the Remote Desktop Services
client application requires Microsoft Internet Explorer and a connection to the World Wide Web. For information about run-time requirements for a particular programming element, see the Requirements section of the reference page for that element.
In This Section
See Also
- Terminal Services Is Now Remote Desktop Services
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Build date: 6/26/2009