Serving Up Terminal Server Edition
A book that encapsulates what you need to know for administering Terminal Server and Citrix MetaFrame.
This 406-page paperback from New Riders
helps make up for the dearth of information pertaining to
the care and feeding of Microsoft Windows NT Terminal Server
Edition/Citrix MetaFrame servers. Everything you’ll need
to set up a basic application server using Terminal Server
and MetaFrame is covered. Windows NT Terminal Server and Citrix Mainframe is made up of three parts:
an overview, configuration and installation, and real-world
solutions and integration issues.
In the first part, the author takes care
to give you a solid grounding on the principles of thin computing
and the importance of proper planning prior to installation.
A basic knowledge of NT administration is assumed, and the
differences between standard NT Server and Terminal Server
Edition are brought to your attention. The importance of proper
sizing, planning, and testing get coverage across four chapters.
The second part is where most of the “meat”
is found. It’s where you learn how to install Terminal
Server and MetaFrame, set up clients and users, and use server
logon scripts. You’ll also see how to secure your servers,
monitor performance, and properly install applications.
The chapter dealing with installing applications
gives some important pointers, such as Registry entries to
examine and a “Top Ten Tips for Installing and Running
Applications on Terminal Server.” From what I’ve
found in the field, many current MetaFrame administrators
would greatly benefit from this chapter alone.
The third and final part is an oracle of
connectivity. Here you find valuable information about remote
access, NetWare integration, Internet access, Unix and Macintosh
clients, and Wide Area Networks. Also included is a chapter
on published applications and load balancing, some of the
most important and useful additions of the MetaFrame product.
Overall, the book is a comprehensive reference.
Still, I would have liked examples of how to create application-compatibility
scripts, detailed overviews of the INI files used by the ICA
clients, and an overview of the additional Citrix products
for resource management and installation management services.
Referenced a number of times are forms
for a disaster recovery kit that’s supposed to be in
Appendix C, but you won’t find them in the book. I did
find out from the publisher that you can download them from
www.mcp.com/info/1-56205/1-56205-944-0.
Overall, this is an important work for
planners and administrators of NT Terminal Server Edition
and Citrix MetaFrame. It can save you hours of sifting through
megabytes of online help, searching for white papers, and
browsing through discussion forums. If you’re about to
install your first Terminal Server/MetaFrame server, you should
consider reading this book before you even order your hardware.
About the Author
Stan Spotts, MCSE+Internet, MCSD, MCDBA, MCT, MCP+Site Building, MSS, CCA,
A+, is a managing consultant at a leading international full service provider for
growing e-Businesses.