[help] Windows Server 2003 And Os X

Ok, so I've been trying to do my homework to see if I should get an iBook. One of the big reasons stopping me from an iBook purchase is at my work, we use Windows Server 2003 and Win XP. Normally, on my old computer, I just log into Windows Server 2003 using a Citrix ICA client and access the files.

However, when I tried doing that on OS X from a friend's computer, I couldn't figure out how to do it. I tried using Remote Desktop from mactopia to login as well, but couldn't get in either. I called the Apple Store in my area and they told me it's possible to do. Unfortunately, the dude that knows how to do that isn't available to field my questions this week. I'll probably stop by later this week when the dude is available.

So I'm just curious if anyone here has any experience logging into a remote desktop for Windows Server 2003 on OS X. If you do, please let me know if it's possible. If I can access my files at work using an iBook, then there is no reason not to get it.

Thanks in advance.

#171154

OS X has built in software that will work with your Win machine. So my instincts say that the combo should work.

#171156

OSX has Samba, which can access SMB shares. This is the standard Windows file sharing technique, but Win Server has a few different options.

You could also set up NFS, it's an open standard, and you can connect to it with anything.

I don't know if MS includes an NFS server, it would be like them not to, but I think I remember Cygwin porting one. That should be fine for your small file sharing needs.

Then there's the "alternative" methods of setting up an FTP or web server to grab your files from. Not quite as secure, but if you do sftp/scp, you should be OK.

So yes, as much as MS tries to stop you, you can share your files between machines.

If what you want is remote administration, you may be out of luck. MS doesn't let you access machines via SSH (the standard remote access system that all *nixes like OSX, linux, use), and you have to use their protocol, which I think is GUI only too, what a waste.

I don't know much about remote Windows administration though, so I wont tell you either way.

#171158

If what you want is remote administration, you may be out of luck. MS doesn't let you access machines via SSH (the standard remote access system that all *nixes like OSX, linux, use), and you have to use their protocol, which I think is GUI only too, what a waste.

Yeah, I think it's remote administration I'm looking into. When I access win server 2k3 on my home computer, it logs into a virtual desktop like this

Larger

So that is how I get my work done at home. I wonder if the dude at the Apple Store will figure this one out?

Do I have to then use Virtual PC on OS X to access win server 2k3?

#171180

The question is why do you need to actually connect to the desktop?

Do you just want to access files on that machine, or do you need to use specific apps? If you just need files, you can use one of the methods I outlined above for up/downloading.

If you need to access programs on the machine, I can't help you, as I know very little about Windows servers (that's an oxymoron).

#171208

It works exactly the same as it works in the windows world, with Remote Desktop:

BAM!

P.S: right mouse clicking might be a bit funky if you're using one of those Apple mice which look nice but are a b!tch when it comes to functionality.

#171212

I log in there because I'm a teacher at a high school. I use it access database files to input grades, comments, even detention for students =)

I suppose it's not the end all to be all if I can't login. I can always email the comments to myself and go to a windows machine and put the comments in. I still use a PC at home, so I can always get my work done on that too. Just would be nice to see if OS X could do it.

I tried the remote desktop thing, but I couldn't get it to work. =( Maybe it's more complicated than I think.

#171223

hmmm, for RDC to work you have to enable it and your user has to have permission to connect (wide open windows days are over ), you can check this out by logging into the server and and going into my computer -> properties, remote tab, remote desktop section. By default W2K3 Server allows the console user and 2 additional terminal server (or RDC) connections, if you want more than that you'd have to buy more licenses, you can also check if someone is connected by running tsadmin.exe.

Hope this helps.

#171239

Hmmmm, i tried that, but no such luck, there is no remote tab.

Someone recommended OSXvnc. Any one know what exactly this can do?

#171241

You can use 'TIMBAKTU PRO' or 'PCMCLAN' software for this purpose

#171402

This is more of a software issue. You also forgot to add a [Help] tag.

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The Topic Has Been Tagged & Moved

// Seph

#171408

Originally posted by chiashing@Jun 2 2004, 12:46 AM

Hmmmm, i tried that, but no such luck, there is no remote tab. 

Someone recommended OSXvnc.  Any one know what exactly this can do?

Oh, pffft, I'm an idiot.

Of course VNC will solve your problem. I completely forgot about it.

Yes, You can install RealVNC or TightVNC on the server, and connect from almost any OS (its an open source program and open protocol).

I would try out the Beta version of Real/TightVNC, not the stable. The beta is much much faster (and has never crashed on me), and since you'll be connecting over a slow connection (VNC is a hog, anything that's not a LAN is slow), you'll want all the speed you can get.

TightVNC has better compression, so you can try that first, but they're all compatible.

http://realvnc.com

http://tightvnc.com

If you don't know, VNC is basically an open and platform independent client/server that does the same thing as Windows remote desktop (GUI remote access). It uses Bitmaps to provide cross platform capability, so it makes it slower than a "native" method.

I use it to connect to Windows machines on the rare occassion I need to.

#171754

I think people are missing the point here.

Chiashing stated

Normally, on my old computer, I just log into Windows Server 2003 using a Citrix ICA client and access the files.

Note that they are using Citrix ICA client.

In other words, they are probably using a published application via Citrix and the RDC connection is limited to administrators only.

We do that a lot here where I work.

We reassign the RDC connection to a non-standard port, something other than 3389.

Then if an unathorized user tries to connect to it with Remote Desktop Client without specifying the right port, the connection fails.

You basicaly need the ICA client for OS X.

You can download it free from Citrix Here.

Your problem should be solved.

#171979

You basicaly need the ICA client for OS X.

You can download it free from Citrix Here.

No luck, that was the first thing I tried when I was using OS X on my friends' powerbook. =(

All I get is connection error.

#172233

Sorry it took so long to get back, I did say your problem "should" be solved. Looks like they have security tied into the client session.

When you are accessing the ICA session, are you logged into your PC localy or with a network account?

I know you said you do this from home as well, so I'm guessing you established a VPN session or something like that first to get connected.

The annoying thing is when a Citrix admin requires domain authentication prior to establishing the session.

Good for security, bad for non-windows users who don't log into there PC's or Mac's with a Windows domain account.

#174848