How to Manage a Network Server Remotely

One of the most useful tools available to system administrators is a program called Remote Desktop Connection. Remote Desktop Connection lets you connect to a server computer from your own computer's desktop and use it as though you were actually sitting at the server. The program enables you to manage your servers from the comfort of your own office, without having to walk down to the server room.

Remote Desktop Connection is especially important if you're using virtual servers. Because virtual servers have no real hardware, including keyboards, mice, or monitors, Remote Desktop Connection is the primary way you interact with them.

Before you can use Remote Desktop Connection to access a server, you must enable remote access on the server. You can do that from the System Properties dialog box. Here are the steps:

1. Open the Control Panel.

2. Double-click System.

3. Click the Remote Settings link.

4. Click the Remote Tab.

5. Select the Allow Remote Connections to This Computer radio button.

6. Click OK.

   

All versions of Windows come with a program called the Remote Desktop Client, which you can use to connect to a server remotely. Here are the steps for Windows 7:

1. Click the Start button, type the word Remote, and then click the Remote Desktop Connection icon.

2. Enter the name of the server you want to connect to.

3. Click the Connect button.

4. Log on and use the server.