Complete guide to RDS management and RDSH
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Five steps to preserve RDS functions during an upgrade
RDS is important for technicians who need to administer and troubleshoot remote systems that are located too far away to physically service. It is key to ensure RDS continues to function when you upgrade to Windows Server 2012 R2. Read Now
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RDSH vs. VDI comes down to use case
In the debate over RDSH and VDI you have to ask who, what and why: Which users and what software will you support and why do you want to do it virtually? If you have complex needs, such as running multiple apps per session, or need advanced performance, choose VDI. If you have a simpler model, then RDSH is for you. Read Now
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RDS upgrades on Windows Server 2012 found in the back end
Windows Server 2008 R2 users should feel comfortable stepping into RDS on Windows Server 2012 because it features the same deployment processes, components and basic roles. The upgrades come on the back end in the form of simpler desktop collection creation and the preservation of pooled desktop states. Read Now
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RemoteFX rises to prominence in Windows Server 2012
In Windows Server 2008, RemoteFX was a niche option that could run on top of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), but needed a separate GPU to handle encoding for VDI. With Windows Server 2012, RemoteFX has essentially replaced RDP by running its own coding for VDI. Server 2012 also simplifies the built-in VDI offering. Read Now
Editor's note
With Windows Server 2008 R2, RDS replaced Terminal Services as Microsoft's thin-client technology, enabling users to access desktops virtually.
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is built into Windows operating systems and allows data to exist in a central location, simplifying management for systems administrators. It consists of six main components, including the Remote Desktop Connection Broker, Remote Desktop Gateway and Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH). RDSH allows a server to host session-based desktops or RemoteApp programs.
We have all of your RDSH and RDS management questions answered with this comprehensive guide covering features and upgrades, RemoteFX, issues, including printer redirection problems and auto reboot concerns, and more.
1What does RemoteFX add?
RemoteFX has gone through some serious evolution. When it was a part of Windows Server 2008, it was a side product that ran as an option on top of RDP. When Windows Server 2012 hit the market, all that changed. RemoteFX can now run its own coding for VDI, essentially replacing RDP in some cases. Now that it's so prominent, it's important to know what else this feature can do.
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Windows 7 with RemoteFX comes with fine print
RemoteFX enhancements for RDP promise to deliver the perfect Windows 7 environment when running on VDI, but it comes with some very specific caveats. For example, it only works if you are connecting to a Windows 7 Service Pack 1 remote virtual desktop. In addition, that desktop has to be running on Microsoft Hyper-V 2008 R2 SP1. Read Now
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Solve RemoteFX configuration challenges
RemoteFX is a dynamic technology that comes with some configuration challenges. In Windows Server 2012, the challenge includes meeting new hardware requirements, including adding a DirectX 11-capable video card for Microsoft RemoteFX's vGPU to function. In terms of settings, you will have to turn off network detection on the server, turn off UDP on the server and more. Read Now
2RDS management and VMware View
For a long time, VMware View users have been hamstrung by multi-protocols and the need for third-party intervention when it comes to RDSH and RDS management. But VMware is using its PCoIP technology to improve its RDS support.
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RDSH PCoIP offering can bypass Cirtix XenApp
Teradici's RDSH PCoIP offering provides a protocol that can be used across the Windows RDS and VMware View desktop pools. For the first time, View shops can now bypass Citrix XenApp and use PCoIP for both VDI and Microsoft RDS. Horizon 6 is the first step in this long-awaited process. Read Now
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Arch gives View customers options
With Arch, a session-hosted remote desktop offering, Teradici has taken advantage of PCoIP technology so any VMware View-compatible or Teradici thin client can access sessions delivered via PCoIP. This has freed View customers from the hassle of having to use a different platform for protocol or non-VDI remote desktops. Read Now
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VMware enters the app publishing game
With Horizon 6 RDSH, VMware is trying to catch up to Citrix XenApp in allowing users to remotely access applications running and receiving updates in the data center. But VMware has not provided a way to manage the software installation on the RDSH hosts. Read Now
3Nobody's perfect: RDS issues
RDS and RDSH are far from perfect. From printer redirection problems to the possibility of losing data during unwanted reboots, there are challenges to overcome. But if your environment is set up right, RDS might just be the simpler VDI alternative that you are looking for. Take a look at some common problems to keep an eye out for.
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Top five RDS printer redirection problems
Printers are supposed to print. If they don't print, that's a problem. With Microsoft RDS, printer redirection problems are one of the most common issues for the end user. Common glitches include incorrectly configured printer redirection, a missing print driver and lack of printing permission. Read Now
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Is VDI really necessary? Consider RDSH
Many users today really only need apps to get their work done. As a result, full-fledged VDI might be a little more than your organization actually needs. Instead, you can turn to RDSH to deliver desktops to your employees. One complication: RDSH is tougher to manage, particularly when it comes to configuration. Read Now
4Test your knowledge
See how much you learned from this guide by taking our quiz covering Windows Server 2012 RDS management.