How to allow 5 users access to Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition

I'm new at server admin but very experienced with supporting home users (20 years) so please bear with me if I ask dumb questions.

A small local company (very small town) needs to allow up to 5 users at a time to access software on the server. I have the software itself configured with appropriate usernames/passwords and to allow multiple concurrent connections. My problem is with multiple concurrent user access to the software on Server 2003. Right now they are using the 2 allowed connections and tripping over each other.

I understand I need CALs (I assume user CALS?) but haven't been able to find a clear answer to a few questions.

1. Do I need to use a domain?
2. Do I need active directory?
3. Users are using Remote Desktop Connection from a variety of Windows XP Home and Pro computers from inside and outside the office. Is that a problem?

I need to keep this as simple as possible to avoid digging myself a tech support hole I can't get out of happy

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Tags: windows, active directory, it management, networking, terminal services, cals

gbland

17th May 2008

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Terminal Server in Application Mode

Since you mentioned "2 allowed connections" then that suggests that the users are using RDP to log into terminal server sessions on the 2K3 server, and that the server's Terminal Server configuration is in the default Administration mode, as this allows only 2 concurrent sessions.

To allow more, and to run said software, you'll want to purchase 5 Terminal Server User CAL's and switch the term server configuration into Application mode (Administrative Tools / Terminal Server Configuration). The server will allow you to run for 120 days in Application mode without said CAL's if you need to get going quickly while you procure the CAL's.

This of course is only the tip of the iceberg relative to the proper configuration of a Terminal Server.

Questions 1 and 2 are essentially the same question, and the answer to them is not related to your immediate problem. To answer, we'd have to know a lot more about the rest of the network, but again, is unrelated to your immediate problem.

Question 3, not a problem except for a security concern since you'll have outside exposure. As you probably already know, you'll want to a) use a router and/or firewall that will only allow traffic on the RDP port (TCP 3389), b) have reputable and current anti-virus on the server, c) employ good password policies, and d) disable or limit internet browsing from the server if the users don't need the internet browsing to run the application.

Edited: clarity

Churdoo

Updated - 17th May 2008