Serving Up Terminal Server Edition

A book that encapsulates what you need to know for administering Terminal Server and Citrix MetaFrame.

• By Stan Spotts
• April 01, 2000

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.