Terminal Services Connections for Windows Server 2008: Devices vs. Users
In the context of Windows Server 2008, Terminal Services (now known as Remote Desktop Services) allow users to access applications and desktops remotely from a client device. However, there are two different ways to configure Terminal Services connections: for devices or for users.
When Terminal Services connections are configured for devices, the remote client device is given direct access to a specific application or desktop on the server. This means that any user who logs in to that device will have access to the same application or desktop. This type of connection is useful for scenarios where multiple users share the same device, such as in a call center or kiosk environment.
On the other hand, when Terminal Services connections are configured for users, each user is given their own session on the server, which they can access from any client device. This means that users can customize their own desktop settings and have access to their own applications and files, regardless of which device they are using to connect. This type of connection is useful for scenarios where users need to access their own personalized desktop environment from multiple devices, such as in a remote work or bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environment.
Overall, the choice between device-based and user-based Terminal Services connections depends on the specific needs of your organization and the type of remote access scenario you are trying to support.