Generally in information technology, a terminal server is a hardware device or server that provides terminals (PCs, printers, and other devices) with a common connection point to a local or wide area network. The terminals connect to the terminal server from their RS-232C or RS-423 serial port. A terminal server is a server or network device that enables connections to multiple client systems to connect to a LAN network without using a modem or a network interface. Terminal Services Is Now Remote Desktop Services.; 2 minutes to read; In this article. Terminal Services has been renamed Remote Desktop Services. In Windows Server 2008 R2, all Remote Desktop Services role services have been renamed. The following table lists both the former name and the new name of each Remote Desktop Services role.
-->
Terminal server. A console server (also referred to as console access server, console management server, serial concentrator, or serial console server) is a device or service that provides access to the system console of a computing device via networking technologies. Terminal Services has been renamed Remote Desktop Services. In Windows Server 2008 R2, all Remote Desktop Services role services have been renamed. The following table lists both the former name and the new name of each Remote Desktop Services role service. Windows Terminal Services (which was renamed Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2008 R2) has been around for many years. But lately, I've seen an increase in the number of organizations.
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is the platform of choice for building virtualization solutions for every end customer need, including delivering individual virtualized applications, providing secure mobile and remote desktop access, and providing end users the ability to run their applications and desktops from the cloud.
RDS offers deployment flexibility, cost efficiency, and extensibility—all delivered through a variety of deployment options, including Windows Server 2016 for on-premises deployments, Microsoft Azure for cloud deployments, and a robust array of partner solutions.
Depending on your environment and preferences, you can set up the RDS solution for session-based virtualization, as a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), or as a combination of the two:
Session-based virtualization: Leverage the compute power of Windows Server to provide a cost-effective multi-session environment to drive your users' everyday workloads.
VDI: Leverage Windows client to provide the high performance, app compatibility, and familiarity that your users have come to expect of their Windows desktop experience.
Within these virtualization environments, you have additional flexibility in what you publish to your users:
Desktops: Give your users a full desktop experience with a variety of applications that you install and manage. Ideal for users that rely on these computers as their primary workstations or that are coming from thin clients, such as with MultiPoint Services.
RemoteApps: Specify individual applications that are hosted/run on the virtualized machine but appear as if they're running on the user's desktop like local applications. The apps have their own taskbar entry and can be resized and moved across monitors. Ideal for deploying and managing key applications in the secure, remote environment while allowing users to work from and customize their own desktops.
Windows Terminal Server Vista
For environments where cost-effectiveness is crucial and you want to extend the benefits of deploying full desktops in a session-based virtualization environment, you can use MultiPoint Services to deliver the best value.
With these options and configurations, you have the flexibility to deploy the desktops and applications your users need in a remote, secure, and cost-effective fashion.
Next steps
Here are some next steps to help you get a better understanding of RDS and even start deploying your own environment:
What Is A Windows Terminal Server
Understand the supported configurations for RDS with the various Windows and Windows Server versions
Plan and design an RDS environment to accommodate various requirements, such as high availability and multi-factor authentication.
Review the Remote Desktop Services architecture models that work best for your desired environment.
Start to deploy your RDS environment with ARM and Azure Marketplace.