rdesktop is a powerful open-source client that enables seamless connections to Windows Remote Desktop Services from UNIX-based systems. Functioning as a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client, Rdesktop Server allows users to efficiently manage Windows servers, presenting the familiar Windows desktop environment on a variety of UNIX platforms. Its compatibility spans a wide range of Windows server versions, from older systems like NT 4 Terminal Server to modern iterations such as Windows Server 2016, making it a versatile tool for server administrators.
Key Features and Capabilities of Rdesktop
rdesktop is designed for stability and broad compatibility, operating smoothly on most UNIX-based operating systems that utilize the X Window System. Its open-source nature, under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 3, fosters a collaborative environment for continuous improvement and adaptation. This licensing ensures that rdesktop remains a free and accessible solution for users needing robust remote desktop capabilities.
For those managing server infrastructure, rdesktop offers several compelling advantages:
- Cross-Platform Accessibility: Access your Windows servers from virtually any UNIX-like system, providing flexibility in your choice of workstation operating system.
- Wide Compatibility: Connect to a broad spectrum of Windows Server versions, ensuring that legacy and current server environments can be managed effectively.
- Open Source and Free: Benefit from a freely available, community-supported tool, reducing software costs for server management.
- Stable and Reliable: Built for dependability, rdesktop provides a stable connection for critical server administration tasks.
Downloading and Getting Started with Rdesktop Server
The most stable and recommended version of rdesktop server is available for download as version v1.9.0. Users seeking the latest stable release can find it readily accessible on GitHub, the platform hosting the rdesktop project.
For those interested in exploring or contributing to the project, previous releases and detailed change logs are also available on the rdesktop project’s release page on GitHub. This transparency allows users to track the evolution of the software and understand the improvements implemented in each version.
Developers and advanced users might also opt to download a snapshot of the current development version. This version, accessible as a ZIP archive from the main repository, allows access to the newest features as they are developed. However, it’s important to note that development versions may occasionally experience instability as new functionalities are integrated.
Documentation and Community Support for Rdesktop Server
Comprehensive documentation is included within the rdesktop file release, providing users with the necessary information to effectively utilize the software. This documentation serves as a primary resource for understanding the features and functionalities of rdesktop server.
Furthermore, the underlying Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) itself is based on the ITU-T T.128 standard, also known as T.SHARE. For in-depth technical specifications of the RDP protocol, Microsoft provides openly accessible documentation through the MSDN library. This resource is invaluable for developers and advanced users seeking a deeper understanding of the protocol rdesktop utilizes.
The rdesktop community is vibrant and supportive, offering several avenues for user assistance and developer collaboration through Google Groups mailing lists:
- Announcements: Stay informed about new releases and important project updates by subscribing to the Announcements mailing list.
- Users: For general support, discussions, and bug reporting, the Users mailing list is the ideal forum.
- Development: Developers interested in contributing to rdesktop, submitting patches, or discussing development ideas should join the Development mailing list.
Supporting Rdesktop Server Development
The rdesktop project utilizes Bountysource to facilitate community contributions and incentivize development. Users can create bounties for specific issues they wish to see resolved or contribute to existing bounties, directly supporting the ongoing improvement of rdesktop server.
Donations made to the rdesktop project through Bountysource are reinvested into development by funding new or existing bounties. This system creates a direct link between user support and project advancement, ensuring that community contributions directly fuel the software’s evolution.
Programmers looking to contribute and earn can participate by addressing issues with bounties. By submitting a pull request that resolves a bounty-backed issue, developers can claim the bounty upon acceptance and merging of their contribution. More details on this process can be found in the Bountysource FAQ.
Expanding Functionality with SeamlessRDP
For users requiring enhanced integration of individual applications between the server and client desktop, SeamlessRDP server extension offers a solution. Compatible with Windows Server 2008r2 and later, SeamlessRDP enhances the user experience by allowing seamless application integration.
SeamlessRDP, like rdesktop, is open-source under the GPL version 3. It is maintained as a sub-project with its own dedicated repository and issue tracker, allowing focused development and community support. While precompiled binaries are not currently available for SeamlessRDP, they are planned for future release.
Professional Services for Rdesktop Server
For organizations requiring specialized support or custom development related to rdesktop server, professional services are available through various companies. These services can range from tailored feature development to dedicated support agreements, catering to specific business needs.
Companies offering rdesktop-related professional services are encouraged to contact the developers mailing list to be included in the project’s list of service providers. Inclusion requires that the provider’s website mentions “rdesktop” and links back to the official rdesktop website at www.rdesktop.org, ensuring a cohesive and interconnected community ecosystem.
In conclusion, rdesktop server stands as a robust and versatile open-source solution for managing Windows servers from UNIX environments. Its broad compatibility, active community, and extensible features make it an invaluable tool for system administrators and organizations relying on cross-platform server management.
