A terminal server is a server that runs Terminal Services, in order to host programs based on the Windows® operating system or to host the full Windows desktop for client computers. Users can connect their client computers to a terminal server to run programs, to save files, and to use network resources on that server. Users can access a terminal server by using Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) 6.0 (RDC 6.0) or later, or by using RemoteApp programs. When a server is configured in the Terminal Server role, it is referred to as a terminal server.

Terminal Services in the Windows Server® 2008 operating system provides technologies that enable users to access Windows-based programs that are installed on a terminal server or to access the full Windows desktop. Terminal Services is a server role that consists of the following sub-components, known as role services:

• Terminal Server   A role service that enables a server to host Windows-based programs or the full Windows desktop. Users can connect to a terminal server to run programs, to save files, and to use network resources on that server.
  
  
• TS Web Access   A role service that enables users to access RemoteApp programs and a Remote Desktop connection to the terminal server through a Web site. TS Web Access also includes Remote Desktop Web Connection, which enables users to remotely connect to any computer to which they have Remote Desktop access.
  
  
• TS Licensing   A role service that manages the Terminal Services client access licenses (TS CALs) that each device or user needs in order to connect to a terminal server. Use TS Licensing to install, issue, and monitor the availability of TS CALs on a Terminal Services license server.
  
  
• TS Gateway   A role service that enables authorized remote users to connect to resources on an internal corporate network from any device that is connected to the Internet and that can run the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client software.
  
  
• TS Session Broker   A role service that supports session load balancing between terminal servers in a terminal server farm, and supports reconnection to an existing session in a load-balanced terminal server farm.
  
  

Windows Small Business Server 2008 (Windows SBS) Premium includes software to run on a second server. By enabling the Terminal Services role on the second server, users can access a terminal server from within a Windows SBS 2008 network or from the Internet. Terminal Services in a Windows SBS 2008 network provides the following benefits:

• It can save you money by helping to extend the life of your desktop hardware.
  
  
• It can help you quickly deploy Windows-based programs to computing devices, making them easier to manage.
  
  
• It provides access to Windows-based programs from outside of the company.
  
  

Terminal Services and Windows Small Business Server 2008

Planning and deploying a terminal server