JLab Terminal Server Cluster Guide

The Jefferson Lab (JLab) Terminal Servers operate on Windows 2003 server platform.  Terminal Service on Windows 2003 servers enable multiple clients to simultaneously connect and run applications independently on their desktop. The "rdesktop" command on Unix/Linux systems allows non-Windows clients to login to the Windows terminal server.

The main purpose of the Terminal Servers at JLab is to provide Windows applications to Unix (Sun, HP or Linux) users. When connected to a Terminal Server, Unix users can temporarily use a Windows environment to access applications such as Word and Excel on their desktop. In addition, Windows users can also utilize the Terminal Servers to access applications that are not installed on their local Windows computer.  Any user who has a valid JLab computer username and a password can use JLab Terminal Servers.

Unix/Linux Users

Open a terminal window and type this command:

rdesktop -g size_of_window -a 24 -d jlab jlabts

The size_of_windows can be 800x640, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x1024, 1600x900, or 1600x1200.

Windows Users

Please use Remote Desktop to log into terminal servers.  You may find Remote Desktop in Start >> All Programs >> Accessories.  Once you open Remote Desktop Connection, you will need to type jlabts on Computer field to log into the terminal server machines.

For Windows Users who need to access the Terminal Servers from offiste, please read our Windows Remote Desktop Using PuTTY instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Terminal Server Cluster

How to print from a Terminal Server cluster?

To print from a Terminal Server, users need to install the printer(s) of their choice. To install printers, go to Start >> All Programs >> Accessories >>  Run and type \\jlabprt in the dialog box.  A window will open with all of the network printers available for installation.  Double click the printer of your choice and the print drivers will automatically be installed and the printer will be ready for use.

How to save documents while using the Terminal Server?

All documents and files must be saved to your home directory (J:\ drive).  When a user logs onto the Terminal Server, their home directory is automatically mapped as the J:\ drive. Any documents or files saved to the C:\ drive of the Terminal Server will be deleted.

Architecture of Terminal Server

JLab has four Terminal Servers which form a cluster called "JLABTS".  The cluster is designed to balance the load on each of the Terminal Server machines. Therefore, when a user logs into the Terminal Server they are actually logging into the JLABTS cluster.  The Terminal Server that is the least busy will accept the login. The load balancing is based on, available memory, CPU Utilization, Page Swaps, and Context Switches for load managements.

When user logs into the Terminal Server for the first time, a unique profile will be created and saved in the user's home directory (i.e. jlabhome\%username%\jde\TSProfile). The profile that is created will be used every time the user logs into the JLABTS cluster. This profile will save the users desktop shortcuts, installed printers, and browser preferences.

Due to the increased CPU time caused by three dimensional screensavers, no screensavers or wallpaper are allowed to be used on the Terminal Server.

Supported software on the Terminal Servers

The supported software installed on the Terminal Servers are as follows: Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Adobe Reader, PuTTY, WinZip, Ghost View, Firefox and Thunderbird, Internet Explorer, and CorporateTime Calendar.

Other software can be added if there is enough interest and it is proven that the software is stable in the Windows environments.