What is a Terminal Server (RDS)?

Short version: a terminal server (RDS) is a central computer in the cloud that several users work on remotely, as if it were sitting in their office. From Windows, connect with Remote Desktop Connection: enter the server address, your username and your password. From a Mac, install Microsoft Remote Desktop from the App Store and add the server with Add PC. The connection is encrypted, and your workspace stays exactly as you left it.

What is a terminal server (RDS)?

A terminal server, or Remote Desktop Server, lets you connect remotely to a central computer in the cloud. All your applications, documents, files and even your desktop are available from anywhere, at any time.

In practice you are working on a remote computer, and your data is stored in the cloud rather than on the device you connected from.

What are the benefits of a terminal server?

• Access from anywhere: the office, home, your phone or abroad.
• A familiar workspace: everything stays exactly as you left it last time.
• No complicated installs: all the software is already installed on the server and ready to use.
• Security: the connection is encrypted and blocks unauthorised access to your data.
• Support: our team is available for any question.

How do you connect from Windows?

1. Open the connection app. Click Start and search for Remote Desktop Connection.
2. Enter the server address. In the Computer field, type the IP address we gave you, for example 203.0.113.15, and click Connect.
3. Enter your login details: the username and password exactly as you received them.
4. Accept the security prompt, if one appears, by clicking Yes.

That's it, you are connected. The remote desktop opens straight away.

Remote Desktop Connection in Windows: the server address goes in the Computer field.

How do you connect from a Mac?

1. Install the app. Download Microsoft Remote Desktop, Microsoft's official app, from the App Store.
2. Add the server. Click Add PC, enter the IP address you received in PC Name, and give the server a Friendly Name such as "Office server". Click Add.
3. Connect. Click the new connection, enter your username and password, and click Continue.

Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac: the IP address in PC Name and a label in Friendly Name.

How do you work safely and smoothly?

• Work from a stable internet connection. A slow or patchy line hurts the experience.
• Sign out properly when you finish: Start on the remote server, click your username, then Sign out.
• Never leave your login details visible or where others can see them.

Common problems:

• You cannot connect: check the username, password and server address, and try again after a few seconds. If it keeps failing, contact support.
• A security prompt appears: that is normal. Click Yes or Continue.
• The connection is slow: check your internet quality and close apps that use a lot of bandwidth.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to install anything on Windows?

No. Remote Desktop Connection is built into Windows. On a Mac, install Microsoft's free app.

Can I connect from my phone?

Yes. Microsoft also offers a Remote Desktop app for iPhone and Android, and it works the same way: server address, username and password.

What happens to my files when I disconnect?

They stay on the server in the cloud. Next time you log in, your workspace is exactly as you left it.

Why sign out instead of just closing the window?

Closing the window leaves your session running on the server. Signing out closes it cleanly and frees its resources.

Conclusion

Connecting to your terminal server takes a minute: the server address, a username and a password, through Remote Desktop Connection on Windows or Microsoft Remote Desktop on a Mac. You get a familiar, secure workspace you can reach from anywhere. Our support team is always available, through the website or by phone.