Best Practices for Client Configuration

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You can maximize users' experience with Terminal Services by following these recommendations:

  • Minimize graphics use including animated graphics, screen savers, blinking cursors, and the animated Microsoft Office Assistant.

  • Disable the Active Desktop.

  • Disable smooth scrolling.

  • Minimize the use of graphics and animation, such as cascading menus on the desktop, particularly the Start menu. Place shortcuts on the desktop and keep the Programs submenu as flat as possible. Avoid using bitmaps in wallpaper; in Display Properties set Wallpaper to None on the Background tab, and select a single color from the Appearance tab.

  • Enable file sharing on client computers, sharing drives with easily identifiable names like "drivec." Be aware of the security implications involved.

  • Avoid the use of MS-DOS or Win16 (16-bit) applications where possible.

  • Configure the Terminal server to return the user's logon name rather than the computer name to applications that make use of a NetBIOS function that calls for the computer name.

  • Train users to use Terminal Services hot key sequences. There are a few important differences in the hot key sequences used in a Terminal Services client session than in a Windows 2000 session.