Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/58400
www.iltanet.org A few caveats about this solution: • The remote PC must be powered on. • You can't hear sounds or print to a local printer (unless you have the paid version). • The speed can seem slow because of screen refresh. • This solution is considered secure, but it is only as secure as your passwords, so make sure you use strong passwords that are changed regularly. • Once you get over 10 PCs, this can be time consuming to administer. However, it certainly provides the small office environment (fewer than 10 users) robust remote access, especially for those without a file server. Terminal Services Microsoft Terminal Services (recently renamed Remote Desktop Services) is a client/server solution that allows a user to access and run applications on a remote computer over a network using client software called Remote Desktop Connection (RDC). RDC comes installed on Windows XP and all versions since, and there is a free downloadable Mac version. The server piece comes with Windows operating systems but must be Pros Remote Control Remote Desktop SSL VPN • Low monthly cost • Easy to install and maintain • No IT resources needed • Licenses included with server • Easy to administer • Already comes with Windows OS • Most secure option • Good end-user experience • Reliable • No client-side installation 46 ILTA White Paper configured before it can be used. There is also a Mac client, although it only allows you to access Windows desktops. Terminal Services offers the same connectivity as paid Web-based services but with more features. For example, with Terminal Services you can run the client in full-screen mode, redirect sound from the remote PC and redirect printing to a printer configured on the PC you're using. Your clipboard can allow you to copy and paste text, pictures and even files from the remote PC to and from your local PC. You can change the screen resolution and even allow other plug-and-play devices to pass through to the remote computer, such as a USB dictation microphone. For the past decade, Terminal Services has been the most common solution for law firms with fewer than 100 employees. It has also been used by medium- and large-sized firms for years. It can be used to connect to a single PC by one user or to a server by multiple users. It must be enabled on the PC and users must be given permission to access it remotely. To allow more than two users to connect to a server, Client Access Licenses (CALs) must be purchased and installed, and the services must be installed and configured. If you have a network firewall, access to the remote computer will also need to be configured. This method of remote access requires some IT time for setup and configuration. But once completed, it gives the user a richer, speedier experience than that Cons • Hard to administer for all but the smallest firms • Must rely on office desktop being on and operational • Can be a slow user experience • Need knowledgeable IT resource(s) • Security risk if not configured properly • Can be expensive to deploy • Need knowledgeable IT resource(s)