Installing Applications for Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services

The previous chapter covered the basic installation and configuration of Terminal Services on Windows Server 2008. Once this task has been completed the next step is to install applications on the Windows Server 2008 system for use by multiple remote users. It is important to note that, firstly, applications must be installed specifically for use by Terminal Services users and, secondly, that not all applications are designed to be run by multiple concurrent users. With these constraints in mind, this chapter will cover the basics of safely installing applications on Windows Server 2008 for use by remote users via Terminal Services.

This chapter will focus on installing applications in the contexts of remote desktop access (where a remote user accesses a fuill desktop session on the remote server to launch applications). To have each remote application run within its own window on the local client it will be necessary to configure the applications as RemoteApps, a topic which is covered in detail in the Configuring RemoteApps on Windows Server 2008 chapter of this book.

Understanding Terminal Services Operating Modes

Terminal Services on Windows Server 2008 function in two different operating modes known as Execute mode and Install mode. Terminal Services are in Execute mode when a clients are connected and applications are being executed by users. Install mode is entered when applications are being installed for use by client users. If applications are being installed using the Install Application on Terminal Server wizard via the Control Panel then the operating mode is automatically switch to Install mode during installation and then back to Execute mode on completion. If an installed needs to be performed from the command prompt the mode can be changed using the 'switch user command. The following example switches to Install mode, performs the installation and then reverts to Execute mode:

C:\Users\Administrator>