How to use a Handheld PC or a Pocket PC as a Mobile Terminal

Increasingly, users of wireless mobile devices require access to the functionality of their desktop computers. Windows XP and Windows 2000 permit you to do this. By using the Handheld PC or the Pocket PC, you can connect to an application server and run programs just as if you were sitting at the server computer itself. Connections to application servers can be made across wireless local area networks (LANs), or across the Internet by using virtual private networking (VPN).

To use the Handheld PC and the Pocket PC as remote terminals, you must first set up an application server. Generally, your application server will be your regular desktop computer in your office. If the Windows Terminal Services client software is not installed on your Handheld PC or the Pocket PC, you must install it. After it is installed, the Terminal Services client software permits you to connect to the application server and run programs.

This article explains how to use the Handheld PC and the Pocket PC as remote terminals to desktop computers that are running Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 Server, and Windows 2000 Advanced Server.

How to Turn On Remote Terminals

To set up an application server, use one of the following methods, as appropriate to your situation.

Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Advanced Server

1. Insert your Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2000 Advanced Server CD-ROM into your computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
2. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
3. In Control Panel, click Add/Remove Programs.
   
   The Add/Remove Programs dialog box appears.
4. Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
   
   The Windows Components Wizard starts.
5. Click Terminal Services and Terminal Services Licensing, and then click Next.
   
   After the software is copied to your computer's hard disk, Terminal Services Setup starts automatically.
6. In Terminal Services Setup, click Application Server mode.
7. The next screen to appear prompts you to specify application permissions. For the more secure application environment, select Permissions compatible with Windows 2000 Users.
8. In the Terminal Services Licensing Setup dialog box, specify whether you want the license server to serve your whole enterprise or your domain/workgroup, and then specify the location of the database. Click Next, and then click Finish.
9. Log off your computer, and then leave it running when you leave your office.

Windows XP Professional

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click System.
2. Click the Remote tab, and then click to select the Allow users to connect remotely to this computer check box.
3. Make sure that you have the proper permissions to connect to your computer remotely, and then click OK.
4. Log off your computer, and then leave it running when you leave your office.

How to Install and Configure the Client Software

The Windows Terminal Services client software can connect to both Windows XP Remote Desktop servers and Windows 2000 application servers.

How to Install the Terminal Services Client Software

The Terminal Services client software is preinstalled on the Handheld PC 2000 and the Pocket PC 2002. To download the Terminal Services client software for other versions of the Handheld PC, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

How to Connect to the Corporate Network

Before you can connect to an application server, you must create a connection to the server on your wireless device. See your Handheld PC or Pocket PC documentation for details. When you create the connection, you must specify the connection type. For connections across corporate networks, use your device's wireless network adapter.

If you are connecting across the Internet, you must create two connections. The first is to your Internet service provider (ISP), and the second is a VPN connection to your corporate network. You must use both to connect to your corporate network.

How to Configure the Terminal Services Client Software

After you have established the connection (or connections) to your corporate network, you must use the Terminal Services Connection Manager to create a connection to your application server. The Terminal Services Connection Manager is installed with the Terminal Services client software.

How to Start a Remote Session

To start a remote session, first connect to your corporate network. Next, connect to your application server. You can then run programs on the application server.

1. Connect to your corporate network. If you are using a wireless LAN, activate the connection to it. If you are connecting across the Internet, first connect to your ISP, and then use the VPN connection to connect to your corporate network.
2. Tap the Terminal Services connection that you created with the Connection Manager.
3. Supply your logon credentials when you are prompted for them.

How to End a Remote Session

To end a remote session, log off the application server, and then disconnect from your corporate network.