Re: [SLUG] Terminal Server client for debian

From: Ian C. Blenke (icblenke@nks.net)
Date: Mon Jan 13 2003 - 16:42:29 EST


On Monday 13 January 2003 03:15, cpace@tampabay.rr.com wrote:
> The subject pretty much says it all. I need a Term Server client but
> packaged in .deb format so I can just apt-get it. Or if you have a better
> solution for this:
>
> I am trying to create a diskless workstation using Knoppix and I'm not sure
> if this can be done. We want the stations to basically connect to Win2K
> Terminal Server and since Knoppix is debian based I'm wondering if there is
> a way to put a Terminal Server client on it in someway (maybe redo the iso
> so it is part of the actual system load). Any help would be greatly
> appreciated.

You want an RDP client. RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) is a Microsoft
proprietary hack of their H.323/T.120 whiteboard remote-control from
Netmeeting. It's not pretty, rather heavy (heavier than ICA anyway, not so
much X11 - but equal to tight VNC by the feel of it), and thoroughly
undocumented.

The OpenSource project is "rdesktop.org". You can install it on a debian box
by merely installing the "rdesktop" package.

HOWEVER, the rdesktop package is inherently broken IMHO. It will fall apart
after a few minutes of use, eventually leading to a unusable screen or a
dead/hung process. It's really not ready for production. Even the latest CVS
builds have these problems.

If you want a reliable RDP session, you must use the Microsoft Terminal
Services Client (MSTSC.EXE) with Wine (works well with CrossOver Office).
Unfortunately, it is a bit slow.

Trust me, this is advice from A LOT of hands-on experience. I've been fighting
with this for a few years now. Just recently, there was an install in town
that tried to roll out hundreds of these Wyse thin-terms running Linux. I
fought it pretty thoroughly - rdesktop is still a bust at the moment.

-- 
- Ian C. Blenke <icblenke@nks.net>

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