Remote Desktop is arguably one of the most powerful features included in the Windows operating system. By extension, this also makes it one of the most dangerous to expose to the outside world. While Windows forces all users who are allowed to connect via Remote Desktop to have a password, the quality of those passwords […]

If you’re an administrator of a network running Active Directory, then you probably spend a great deal of your time working within the Active Directory Users and Computers MMC. While there’s no question that this and other management tools can be extended in cool ways to perform additional tasks (similar to what Alan outlined in […]

While Windows XP Professional users can take advantage of the fact that Remote Desktop is a built-in and easily configured feature, the fact that it isn’t included with other Microsoft operating systems may leave you feeling a little out in the cold. Not to worry, as alternatives do exist. If you’re looking for a free […]

In order for users to be able to connect to an XP Professional system using Remote Desktop, they must either be a member of the Administrators group on that system, only be explicitly granted access. To grant non-administrative users access to Remote Desktop, open the System applet to the Remote tab and click the Select […]

At first glance, the Remote Desktop Connection window looks exceptionally simple, only requiring you to specify a computer to connect to. In this case, the “name” that you need to provide depends upon where you’re sitting. For example, if the client and XP Professional system with Remote Desktop enabled are located on the same network, […]

The client software used to connect to an XP Professional system with Remote Desktop enabled is called Remote Desktop Connection, and is installed by default on both Windows XP Home and Professional systems. The software can be started from the Run command by specifying its executable name (mstsc.exe), or from the shortcut found under Start […]

The best thing about the Remote Desktop feature is how easy it is to enable. Disabled by default, simply open the System applet in Control Panel to the Remote tab. In the lower portion of this tab you’ll see a checkbox marked Allow users to remotely connect to this computer. Simply check that box, click […]

Users today commonly complete work on both a home and office PC, shuttling files back and forth using email, disks, and online storage services. Unfortunately, gaining access to your home PC from work (or vice versa) has typically not been an easy proposition. While some users have VPN software set up to simplify connections between […]

Administering multiple Windows 2000 Servers in a multi-site environment can sometimes become a tedious task to say the least. Picture this scenario: your company has four offices, two within a kilometer of each other, another approximately 100 km away, and the fourth resides in a totally different country. You are responsible for all the Win2K […]

Windows 2000 Server includes terminal services for the purpose of remote administration of servers as well as the ability to provide centralized access to software and the Windows 2000 desktop. Not installed by default, terminal services provides an environment that is often referred to as‘thin client’. In this environment (also provided by third-party products such […]