Preparing the Network Card and Terminal Server Client

So far in this series, I've explained how the Windows 2000 terminal services work, and I've explained how to configure your server to use them. Now, it's time to begin configuring your terminal server client to remotely access the server.

Types of Clients

A wide variety of clients is available for the Windows 2000 terminal services. For example, you can install a terminal server client on a machine that's running Windows 98. If you lack the ability to connect directly to the machine that's running the terminal services, you can even use a Web-based terminal server client. Regardless of which type of client that you plan to use, one thing holds true: A usable TCP/IP route must exist between the terminal client and the terminal server.

Because EarthWeb is focusing on wireless and mobile communications this month, I decided to use a Windows CE device to connect to the terminal server via a wireless link. As you probably already know, Windows CE is a compact version of Windows that's designed to operate on personal digital assistants (PDAs). (Microsoft has now given Windows CE a new name: Pocket PC.) The fact that the terminal server client can be run on such a small device can be very handy for network administrators. For example, I have 13 servers running in my basement. However, I keep a Windows CE device with a wireless network link upstairs. That way, if I decide that I need to look at something on a server, I don't have to go downstairs to do itI can check any of my servers from the comfort of my living room. Of course, the same concept applies to offices, too. How many times have you been at a user's desk trying to repair a PC, when someone calls and tells you to check something on a server at the other end of the building? Many times, in such a situation, I'd walk to the other end of the building, make a minor adjustment to the server, and then be stopped by a dozen people on the way back. It's a big time-saver to be able to simply pull a compact wireless device from your pocket and check the server then and there.

Setting Up the Client

So, how do you make this marvel work? Before I explain the process, I should point out that not just any Windows CE device will work. You must use a device with a built-in keyboard. For my personal network, I use an HP Jornada 680, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: The HP Jornada 680 looks like a miniature computer.

As you might have guessed, Windows CE is incapable of remotely administering a server without some tweaking. Therefore, the first thing you must do is link your handheld PC to a regular PC via a serial cable and the software that comes with the handheld PC. By doing so, you enable the ability to move files between your PC and the Windows CE device.

Next, you must create a TCP/IP-based link to your network. Fortunately, the HP Jornada 680 has Ethernet support built in. If you're using a different brand of handheld PC, you may have to download and install network support before continuing.