Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 Glossary

  • administration
    The process of controlling and managing the MultiPoint Server system.
  • administrative user
    A user who has access to MultiPoint Manager to manage the MultiPoint Server system. See also standard user.
  • administrative user account
    A user account for those who will manage the MultiPoint Server system.
  • administrator
    On Windows-based computers, a user account that is a member of the computer’s local Administrators group or a member of a group that is a member of the local Administrators group, such as the Domain Admins group in a Windows domain. This is the first account that is created when you install an operating system on a new workstation, stand-alone server or member server. By default, this account should have the highest level of administrative access to the local computer. A MultiPoint Server administrative user is also a Windows administrator on the computer.
  • associate a station
    To specify which monitor is used with which station hub and peripheral devices, such as a keyboard and mouse. This can be done automatically by pressing a specified key on the station’s keyboard.
  • audio device
    A hardware device that can reproduce sound.
  • build
    To download the prerequisites, MultiPoint Server applications, MultiPoint Server drivers, and other components of the MultiPoint Server system to the hard drive.
  • client access license (CAL)
    A license that is required for a user to connect to a MultiPoint Server system.
  • desktop
    In a MultiPoint Server system, a software user interface (UI) that is presented to a user at a station.
  • Desktops tab
    A tab in MultiPoint Manager that provides access to managing user sessions.
  • DHCP server
    A computer that is running the Microsoft DHCP service that offers dynamic configuration of IP addresses and related information to DHCP-enabled clients.
  • disconnect
    To close a desktop, but keep the session in system memory to be accessed for later use from any station. After selecting this action, the station will display a logon prompt for the next user. Unsaved changes are preserved. A user can reconnect to a previously disconnected desktop and continue exactly where they left off.
  • disconnected desktop
    A desktop that is no longer in use on any stations because the user has disconnected the session. A user can reconnect to a previously disconnected desktop and continue from exactly where they left off.
  • DNS server
    A server that maintains information about a portion of the Domain Name Service database and that responds to and resolves DNS queries.
  • domain
    A collection of computers in a networked environment that share a common database, directory database, or tree. A domain is administered as a unit with common rules and procedures, which can include security policies, and each domain has a unique name.
  • domain controller
    In an Active Directory forest, a server that contains a writable copy of the Active Directory database, participates in Active Directory replication, and controls access to network resources.
  • domain user account
    A user account that is hosted on a domain controller. Domain user accounts can be accessed from any computer that is connected to the domain and they are not tied to any particular computer.
  • dual-core processor
    A processing system composed of two independent CPUs integrated onto a single chip.
  • end now
    To end a session without an opportunity to save any unsaved work. The station is returned to its default state.
  • expansion hub
    A USB 2.0 powered hub that allows you to connect devices beyond the basic distance limitations of the USB architecture.
  • global catalog servers
    A domain controller that holds a copy of the global catalog for the forest.
  • Hardware tab
    A tab in MultiPoint Manager that provides access to station status.
  • hot-plugging
    A feature that allows equipment to be connected to an active device, such as a computer, while the device is powered on.
  • intermediate hub
    A powered USB 2.0 hub that allows you to connect several MultiPoint Server station hubs to a single port. It can also serve as an expansion hub.
  • KMS
    See Microsoft Key Management Service (KMS).
  • local user account
    A user account on a specific computer. A local user account is available only on the computer where the local account is defined.
  • log off
    To end a session with an opportunity to save any unsaved work.
  • log on
    To enter a user name and password at a station to start a session.
  • maintenance mode
    A state of the MultiPoint Server system in which the administrative user performs system maintenance tasks. In this mode, there are no stations. Switching to this mode ends all MultiPoint Server user sessions. See also normal mode.
  • MAK
    See multiple activation keys (MAK).
  • Microsoft Key Management Service (KMS)
    A Microsoft technology used in volume-licensed environments to activate computers running Windows Vista® or later operating systems.
  • multi-core processor
    A processing system composed of two or more independent CPUs integrated onto a single chip.
  • multifunction hub
    An expansion hub that connects to the computer via a USB port and enables the connection of a variety of non-USB devices to the hub. Multifunction hubs are produced by specific hardware manufacturers and may require the installation of a device-specific driver. One example of a multifunction hub is the HP MultiSeat t100 Thin Client, which supports the connection of a PS/2 keyboard and mouse, and VGA video monitor directly to the hub. The hub itself connects to the computer by USB, and is unpowered. See also, USB hubs.

    The following diagram shows an example of setting up a station with a multifunction hub:

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  • multiple activation keys (MAK)
    Volume license keys that activate either individual computers or a group of computers by connecting directly to servers over the Internet or by telephone.
  • MultiPoint Manager
    An application that is used by an administrative user to manage the MultiPoint Server system. This application can be started from the Start menu.
  • MultiPoint Server
    See Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 and Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 Academic.
  • MultiPoint Server system
    A collection of hardware and software that consists of one computer that is running MultiPoint Server and at least one MultiPoint Server station.

    The following illustration shows one example layout of a MultiPoint Server system:

    alt text

    This illustration shows four stations, but as many as 11 associated stations are supported.

  • normal mode
    A state of the MultiPoint Server system in which there are multiple stations available for use by multiple concurrent users. See also maintenance mode.
  • OOBE
    An out-of-box experience (OOBE) that the end-user or system integrator will go through to configure the MultiPoint Server system. The setup process includes setting up the hardware (physically connecting the computer running MultiPoint Server to the station hardware, peripherals, and so on) and completing the software configuration.
  • partition
    A section of space on a physical disk that functions as if it were a separate disk.
  • peripheral device
    A device such as a printer, keyboard, or mouse that is connected to a station hub or is connected directly to a computer that is running MultiPoint Server.
  • primary station
    A MultiPoint Server station that is the first to start up when the MultiPoint Server system is turned on. The video display of the primary station, such as a monitor, must always be connected directly to a video port the computer that is running MultiPoint Server. See also: station.
  • quad-core processor
    A processing system composed of four independent CPUs integrated onto a single chip.
  • Remote Desktop Services
    A server role that provides multiuser access to applications and desktops for non-administrative purposes; provides technologies that enable users to access Windows-based programs that are installed on a remote desktop server, or to access the Windows desktop itself, from almost any computing device.
  • roaming profile
    A server-based user profile that is downloaded to the local computer when a user logs on and that is updated both locally and on the server when the user logs off.
  • root hub
    A USB hub that is plugged directly into the host controller on the motherboard, and controls all traffic on the Universal Serial Bus. Station hubs are generally plugged into the root hub.
  • session
    A discrete period of time in which the user interacts with the MultiPoint Server system.
  • shared resource
    Any device, data, or program used by more than one device or program.
  • socket
    A receptacle on a PC motherboard into which a microprocessor is plugged. A socket-mounted microprocessor, such as the Pentium, connects to the motherboard through numerous pins on the underside.
  • standard station
    A hardware collection that consists of one monitor, one station hub, and other peripheral devices that are attached to that station hub. The station monitor may be connected directly to a video output on the computer or via a USB video connection. Also referred to as a station.
  • standard user
    A user who will regularly access MultiPoint Manager stations, but who will not manage stations. See also administrative user.
  • standard user account
    A user account for individuals who will regularly access stations, but who will not manage the MultiPoint Server system.
  • station
    A set of input and output devices including a monitor, USB hub, and peripheral devices such as a keyboard and mouse, required to provide support for a Windows desktop experience. A station can include additional devices such as audio, storage and mouse devices. Also referred to as a standard station.
  • station hub
    A hardware device that connects peripheral USB devices to a computer in a MultiPoint Server system. A station hub is a required component of a station. See also: multifunction hubs and USB hubs.
  • System tab
    A tab in MultiPoint Manager that lets the administrative user perform tasks that affect the whole MultiPoint Server system, including shutting down and restarting the computer.
  • USB hub
    A generic multiport USB expansion hub that complies with the universal serial bus (USB) 1.1, 2.0, or later specifications. Such hubs typically have two, four, or more USB ports that allow for multiple USB devices to be connected to a single USB port on the computer. USB hubs are typically separate devices that may be externally powered or unpowered. Some other devices, such as some keyboards and video monitors, may also incorporate a USB hub into their design. When used as a station hub with MultiPoint Server, we recommend that you use a maximum four-port hub. If you plan to connect USB devices other than a keyboard and mouse to the hub, use an externally powered hub for best performance. See also: multifunction hub.

    The following illustration shows an example of setting up a station with a USB hub:

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  • Users tab
    A tab in MultiPoint Manager that gives access to user management tasks.
  • Windows Help and Support
    The link to Windows Help and Support displays Windows Server Help. Windows Server Help includes detailed instructions about important subjects such as user privacy and computer security, and also to the privacy and security information included in this Help file. Some topics in MultiPoint Server documentation might include suggestions to search for specific terms in Windows Server Help.
  • Windows MultiPoint Server 2010
    A Windows product that enables multiple users to share one computer at the same time. It gives each user their own independent Windows computing experience. Also referred to as MultiPoint Server.
  • Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 Academic
    A Windows product, designed for use in academic settings, which enables multiple users to share one computer at the same time. It gives each user their own independent Windows computing experience. Also referred to as MultiPoint Server.
  • wireless network interface card (NIC)
    An expansion card or other device used to provide network access to a computer or other device, such as a printer.
  • workgroup
    A group of computers that are connected on a network and share resources, such as printers and files.