Purpose
Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, and Windows 2000 Server with
Terminal Services allow a server to host multiple, simultaneous client sessions. Microsoft's Remote Desktop uses Terminal Services technology to allow
a single session to run remotely. A user can connect to a terminal server by using Terminal Services client
software. The Terminal Services Remote Desktop Web Connection extends Terminal Services technology to the Web.
Where Applicable
A Terminal Services client can exist in a variety of forms. Thin-client hardware devices that run an embedded
Windows-based operating system can run the Terminal Services client software to connect to a Terminal Server.
Windows, Macintosh, or UNIX computers can run Terminal Services client software to connect to a Terminal Server to
display Windows-based applications. This combination of Terminal Services clients provides access to Windows-based
applications from virtually any operating system.
Developer Audience
The Terminal 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 Terminal Services Web applications.
Run-Time Requirements
Applications that use the Terminal Services require Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, or
Windows 2000. To use Remote Desktop Web Connection functionality, the Terminal Services
client-side 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
Additional Resources
| Search Terminal Services | Enables you to search the Terminal Services documentation on MSDN. The search results are narrowed to only include topics in the Terminal Services documentation. |
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Build date: 2/19/2008