Introduction to Windows Server 2008 Remote Desktop Services (RDS)

• Establishing the rationale for thin client technology
• Justifying the business case for Remote Desktop Services
• Exploring third-party interoperability

Installing Remote Desktop Services

Adding the RDS Server Role

• Configuring a RD Session Host and RD Licensing
• Modifying Active Directory account settings for RDS users
• Accessing RDS with the Remote Desktop client

Managing a Remote Desktop Session Host

• Navigating the Remote Desktop Services Manager
• Adding new RD Session Hosts to the console

Controlling RDS settings with Group Policies

• Adding Group Policy Objects to the Active Directory
• Assigning settings to RD Session Hosts and clients

Optimising Remote Access

Increasing scalability with RD Gateway

• Enabling secure RDS client access via the Internet
• Monitoring active RDS client connections
• Forcing disconnection of unwanted user sessions

Delivering applications with RemoteApp

• Providing remote access to Windows-based applications
• Creating .RDP files and .MSI packages for distribution
• Automating RemoteApp distribution with Group Policies

Configuring RD Web Access

• Installing RD Web Access on an IIS Web server
• Connecting to RD Session Hosts with a Web browser

Providing user assistance with Remote Control

• Establishing Remote Control security policies
• Shadowing Remote Desktop client sessions

Troubleshooting Common RDS Issues

Achieving maximum performance

• Preventing RD Session Host monopolization
• Throttling resource-intensive tasks
• Curtailing multimedia access

Eliminating file system clutter

• Preventing installation of unapproved software
• Purging profiles and temporary folders

Assuring reliable user data access and resource availability

• Providing optimal USB PnP support
• Ensuring consistent resource redirection
• Resolving print driver issues with Easy Print

Configuring applications for multiuser environments

• Ensuring end user licensing agreement (EULA) compliance
• Controlling application execution

Evaluating RD Session Host performance

• Benchmarking to determine performance limitations
• Monitoring thin client traffic with a protocol analyzer

Managing a RDS Network Infrastructure

Defining network requirements

• Managing TCP port requirements for RDS
• Opening workstation ports for Remote Desktop access

Building RD Session Host farms

• Clustering RD Session Hosts with Network Load Balancing (NLB)
• Preventing abandoned connections with RD Connection Broker

Securing RD Session Hosts and Clients

Implementing security enhancements

• Adjusting firewalls for Remote Desktop Services
• Configuring RDS authentication and encryption

Strengthening RD Gateway security

• Denying access to non-compliant clients
• Improving RDS security with SSL and VPNs

Selecting authentication requirements

• Authorising internal RD Session Host access
• Providing secure logons to external clients
• Choosing appropriate RD Gateway authentication
• Accommodating Remote Desktop access for distributed workforces

Customising ports for network redirection

• Incorporating port redirection into a RDS security plan
• Limiting RDS client configurations and activities

Supporting Remote Desktop Services Clients on Portable Devices

• Accessing RDS from smartphones and PDAs
• Determining the best clients for your devices
• Configuring appropriate connectivity options