Open Remote Desktop by navigating to Start All Programs Accessories

136 | Lesson 6 This makes the connection to the server and prompts for the server’s username and password. Enter those, and then take control of the server. Note that opening port 3389 for use with Terminal Services could be a security vulnerability, so be sure to use Terminal Services only if it is absolutely necessary, and always use Network Level Authentication to secure it further. There are two ways to leave a session. The first is to log off, which ends the user’s session and closes all programs associated with that session. The second is to disconnect. This stops the connection, but the user session still runs on the server, programs still run, resources can still be used, and the user can connect later and resume that session. If you have full administra- tive access, you can also restart or shut down the server. Modifications might be necessary to the Remote Desktop settings on the client computer. Make sure that outbound remote connections are allowed. TAKE NOTE ■ Defining More Networking Services Remote Access Service RAS is grouping of different hardware and software platforms to allow remote access to another computer or network device. Originally used with dial-up services, Microsoft RAS has morphed into RRAS, or Routing and Remote Access Service. This powerful service allows clients to connect remotely to a central network using dial-up and high-speed Internet connections. It also allows connectivity through VPNs. IPsec is an encrypting and authenticating protocol that helps secure VPN and other types of network transactions. THE BOTTOM LINE Defining RRAS Microsoft’s RRAS is built into Windows Server and offers a variety of functions, includ- ing dial-in service and the ability to create virtual private networks. Routing and Remote Access Service RRAS is a network service in Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Server 2000. It permits an administrator to configure dial-up remote access servers, VPN servers, and IP routing, as well as NAT. For a long time, the standard way to telecommute to work was to utilize a direct dial-up con- nection. This is illustrated in Figure 6-6. Although this allowed for connectivity, it was often slow, and users suffered from noisy and dropped lines. CERTIFICATION READY How would you define RRAS? 3.5 Figure 6-6 Dial-up connection Today, the standard is to utilize a Virtual Private Network or VPN. With VPNs Figure 6-7, the inherent power of the Internet is exploited, and direct IP connections are made from clients to a VPN server or router. Dial-up connections via modems that connect to the Internet are still supported, but more commonly, high-speed connections like DSL, cable, and fiber optic are preferred.