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Managing the Windows 7 Environment : Configuring Remote Connections (part 2) - Remote Desktop

7/12/2011 11:44:29 AM

2. Remote Desktop

Remote Desktop is a tool in Windows 7 that allows you to take control of a remote computer's keyboard, video, and mouse. This tool does not require someone to be available to collaborate with you on the remote computer. While the remote computer is being accessed, it remains locked and any actions that are performed remotely will not be visible to the monitor that is attached to the remote computer.

2.1. New/Updated Features

Windows 7 Remote Desktop is, again, an enhanced version of the remote desktop functionality that has been with us for many of the previous versions of Windows, both client and server operating systems. Remote Desktop uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to provide the data between a host and a client machine. Windows 7 is using the latest version of RDP, RDP 7.0. Windows 7 Remote Desktop enhancements are as follows:

  • RDP Core Performance Enhancements

  • True Multi-Monitor Support

  • Direct 2D and Direct 3D 10.1 Application Support

  • Windows 7 Aero Support

  • Bi-directional Audio Support

  • Multimedia and Media Foundation Support

There are many uses for Remote Desktop, but the most common use is that of the administrator attempting to perform a task on an end user's machine (or server).

Another use is the end user connecting to a machine from their home or on the road. If you have noticed the enhancements of Remote Desktop (which are enhancements to the RDP protocol), you can see that one of the main goals of enhancing Remote Desktop is to make the user experience as comfortable and seamless as possible.

Real World Scenario: Using Remote Desktop Functionality

I have mentioned many times about using Remote Desktop for troubleshooting client computers. As an administrator, I like to just take control of an end user machine and fix it. Although this can be done in Remote Assistance, the end user is required to allow us to have access and then can watch what we do. In Remote Desktop, we just take control and close the interactive session at the remote machine (yes, the remote end user can block us or take over the session, but not if they want their problem solved).

But there are other uses as well. We provide a server with resources to our clients, and that server may need to be changed or updated on a regular basis (sometimes a couple of changes in a day). Remote Desktop allows us to maintain our server and database from wherever we are without impacting the clients or other administrators.


2.2. Remote Desktop Connection Options

When connecting to a Remote Desktop host machine, there are several options available to enhance the client user session. The options allow configuration for general settings, display options, local resource access, programs to be executed on startup, the user experience, and advanced options for security and Remote Desktop gateway access. The options are available by selecting the Options button in the lower-left area of the initial Remote Desktop connection screen. Figure 6 shows the options window both hidden and displayed.

Figure 6. Remote Desktop options

From the General tab, the host computer and username can be selected. User credentials can be saved from this tab as well. The connection settings can be saved to a file or an existing RDP file can be opened from the General tab.

From the Display tab (Figure 7), the size of the display screen can be chosen. This is also where the option to use multiple monitors will be selected. The color depth (color quality) is selected in the Display tab. The option to display the connection bar when using full screen display is available here as well.

Figure 7. Remote Desktop Display options

From the Local Resources tab (Figure 8), remote audio settings, keyboard settings, and local device and resource access can be configured.

Figure 8. Remote Desktop Local Resources options

The Programs tab (Figure 9) for Remote Desktop options allows the selection of a program to run at connection startup. The program name and path are specified as well as a startup folder if necessary.

Figure 9. Remote Desktop Programs options

The end user experience is important to the overall success of using Remote Desktop in the user environment. Remember, Remote Desktop can be used to provide a user with the ability to connect to their machine and "remote in." The most seamless environment from the user to the remote location is desirable, but that will be dependent on the bandwidth available. The more bandwidth, the more high-end features can be made available to the end user.

This is also nice for the administrator who is working on an end user machine. The Experience tab (Figure 10) allows the configuration of the end user experience.

Figure 10. Remote Desktop Experience options

Controlling the behavior of the Remote Desktop connection with regard to security is configured on the Advanced tab of the Remote Desktop options dialog. The Advanced tab also supports the configuration of a Remote Desktop gateway to allow Remote Desktop connections to be established from any Internet location through SSL. The user must still be authorized and the Remote Desktop client must still be available.

Another way a Windows 7 user can connect to a server is through the use of a virtual private network (VPN) connection. In the next section, we will look at how to configure a VPN connection on Windows 7.
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