What is service host remote desktop configuration?

Remote Desktop Services

RDS [formerly Terminal Services] is the most commonly used method of application virtualization. This method presents applications to connected users. The application actually runs in a session on the server in the data center while it appears to be running on the local desktop. This is a cost effective and reliable method of deploying applications to an enterprise. Figure 9.39 shows a simplified diagram of how RDS works.

Users, whether local or remote, all connect to the RDS server. The application is displayed to the end user while being executed on the RDS server. This gives equal performance to both local and remote users running the application. When the applications need to be upgraded or patched, they are patched only on the RDS servers. When the users next connect and run the application, they receive the updated version. The RDS server is capable of supporting multiple users on a single server, and there are many new enhancements in RDS with Windows Server 7 that allow for a variety of connection methods. Web Services, Session Broker, and Network Load Balancing all work together to provide a seamless application virtualization environment for most users.

If your users do not want to connect to a server or a Web page to run their applications, there is a new feature in Windows Server 2008 RDS called RemoteApp. A published application can be converted to a RemoteApp and generate a Windows Installer File [MSI] that can be deployed through Active Directory, file download, e-mail, or your SCCM environment to all the targeted users. When installed on your Windows 7 desktop, double-clicking on it will launch the application just like it is installed on the end-user desktop. The connection to the RDS server is automatically established and the application is started. The RemoteApp can add items to the desktop Start menu or desktop icon just like a locally installed application.

Using the advanced features of the Remote Desktop Client in Windows 7 allows for mapping of resources to the RDS server, so files and printers can be shared when a user connects. The advanced features also can authenticate a user before a user session is created to relieve the extra burden on the RDS server and allow for more connections and better performance. The drawback to this solution is the fact that a user must be able to connect to the RDS server in some fashion to be able to run an application.