Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection enables you to connect from your Mac computer to a Windows-based computer and work with programs and files on that computer. Mac users who have access to a Windows-based computer on a network, can use Remote Desktop Connection as an alternative to Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac.
To connect to a Windows-based computer, you need network access and permission to connect to the computer. In addition, the Windows-based computer must be running Terminal Services or Remote Desktop Services. The following Windows products support Remote Desktop connections:
- Windows XP Professional
- Windows Server 2003
- Windows 2000 Server
- Windows 2000 Advanced Server
- Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
- Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition
v2.1 [Mar 31, 2011]
- Simplifies the connection window and expands the menu bar to include menus for common tasks (File, Edit, View, and Help).
- Application preferences are now located on the RDC menu.
- Improves performance and compatibility with Windows Vista and Windows 7.
- Connects to multiple computers when you save a connection file for each computer. Use the new File menu to open new, saved, and previously opened connections and to manage all changes to connection files.
- Accepts changes to application preferences, such as keyboard shortcuts, during a Remote Desktop session. Changes take effect the next time that you connect.
- Reestablishes a remote session when the network connection is lost.
- Runs the Remote Desktop session in a resizable window or in full-screen mode.
- Prints your Windows-based documents to any printer that is connected to the Mac computer.
- Verifies the identity of the Windows-based computer before establishing a Remote Desktop connection. You can select this option when you connect to a computer that is running Windows Vista or Windows 7. Network Level Authentication is more secure than authentication options in earlier versions of Windows.
- Provides settings for improved resolution on wide-screen displays.
- Speeds login when you specify "console" as part of the computer name.
