What is a Terminal Server and Why Should I Care?
A terminal server is a computer running certain programs that allow other PCs to directly connect and use its resources and applications. The server is accessed through a variety of thin-clients, which are inexpensive PCs that have a network card connection. For example, an office may have five desktop PCs attached to the network. By connecting them to a Terminal Server, these PCs no longer need to rely on their own hard disks, memory, CPU power etc. Instead, they connect to the power and capacity of the single server. This one server offers each of the thin-clients (terminals) access to necessary applications, the Internet and Intranet, storage and print devices. Such a configuration offers the following overt benefits: • Greatly reduces desktop PC support, maintenance, and upgrades • Places all configuration and applications in a central server model • Greatly reduces software licensing costs • Simplifies I.T. operations • Operates on older or outdated PCs, as the performance is pred
