Using Remote Desktop on your Windows Dedicated Server

Windows Remote Desktop is a breath of fresh air for those of us that use Microsoft Desktop Products. It has the same Control Panel as your standard Windows desktop. Remote Desktop can also be used to run other normal applications, such as a Web Browser. This can be helpful in designing websites, and testing your server’s settings. You can run applications locally without going over the network. This helps in testing Database connections, email, and testing websites before they go live. It’s a great benefit to having a windows dedicated server.

To use Remote Desktop to connect to your windows dedicated server, if you are on a Windows platform, click on your start menu. From there you go to All Programs, and Remote Desktop Connection. It should have a menu where it shows Computer. You can put an IP address or a hostname in this field. It should then ask you for a username and password. The username is usually administrator. You then put the password for that account. It should then log you in.

Once logged in, it looks very similar to a standard Windows Desktop. Take some time to explore the interface and get comfortable with it. You should be well on your way to administering your Windows Dedicated Server.