Remote Administration vs. Application Server

 You can install Windows 2000 Server Terminal Services in either of two modes: Remote Administration or Application Server. Remote Administration mode installs only the remote access components of Terminal Services and performs with very little overhead, so it's ideal for mission-critical servers. Terminal Services in Remote Administration mode permits a maximum of two concurrent remote administration connections. No additional licensing is required for those two connections, and you don't need to run the Terminal Services license server.

Application Server mode installs the application-sharing components of Terminal Services in addition to the remote access components. This mode lets users run applications remotely. However, running Terminal Services in Application Server mode requires you to purchase licenses and set up a Terminal Services licensing server within 90 days of installation. For administration purposes, you should install Terminal Services in Remote Administration mode. Remote Administration mode minimizes the impact on server performance while still facilitating remote administration.



Change Between Remote Administration and Application Server Mode
View products that this article applies to.
Article ID    :    238162
Last Review    :    February 27, 2007
Revision    :    2.2
This article was previously published under Q238162
SUMMARY
Terminal Services has two modes of operation: Remote Administration mode and Application Server mode. Remote Administration mode permits two concurrent connections and is designed to permit administrators to remotely manage a server by using a Terminal Services client. This setting minimizes impact on server performance. Application Server mode is designed to provide access to a Windows 2000-based computer desktop and its programs for users connecting with a Terminal Services client. This setting optimizes program response time. This article describes how to change between these two modes of operation.
MORE INFORMATION
To change the current operating mode of a Windows 2000-based server with Terminal Services enabled:
1.    Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add/Remove Programs.
2.    Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
3.    On the Windows Components screen, click Next without selecting or deselecting anything in the list of components.
4.    In the Terminal Services Setup dialog box, the currently enabled mode is displayed, and you can change this mode. Select the mode you want to change to, click Next, and then restart your computer.