Microsoft today released Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2.0 (Beta) which, according to Microsoft, “lets you connect to a Microsoft Windows-based computer and work with programs and files on that computer from your Macintosh computer.”
Microsoft says that Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2.0 (Beta) includes the following new features:
• Universal Binary: Runs natively on both Intel-based and PowerPC-based Macs.
• Remote Desktop Protocol 6.0: Provides better compatibility with Windows Vista, improved security features, and many other improvements.
• Multiple Sessions: Lets you connect to multiple Windows-based computers at the same time.
• Improved User Experience: Provides a true Mac experience and improved usability.
• Soul Blackening: Instantly rots your Mac’s soul from the inside out until it withers, dies, and turns completely black. Just kidding… or not.
• Improved Customization Options: Lets you change application preferences, including keyboard shortcuts, while you are running a session. Changes take effect the next time that you connect.
• Dynamic Screen Resizing: Lets you resize your session window or switch to full-screen mode during a session.
• Improved Printing Support: Supports all configured printers on your Mac. No longer limited to PostScript printers.
Microsoft states, “Currently, Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2.0 (Beta) is only available in English, and supports only US English keyboards. Technical support is not available for this beta release. This Beta release expires on March 31, 2008.”
More info and download link (.dmg, 4.01MB) here.
Hey, that’s a great idea, except, that I use a Mac at home and a Mac at work. I personally wouldn’t have a need for that. It’s nice all the same.
I have a need for it as I have to administer two Windows servers. All the features mentioned are welcome, especially the Soul Blackening. I’m glad I wasn’t drinking anything when I read that. LOL!
Not nearly as big of a deal now that we have Boot Camp and Parallels for the Mac, but good for those that need to remotely connect to a Windows server I guess.
The soul blackening part caught me off guard.. LOL!
@ Li’l Gore
Let he who is without blunts light the first bowl.
Right there with ya, Spark – I have to use this at work to get to MS programs that aren’t available on my Mac (dammit) – but that’s becoming less and less frequent!
Fantastic!
I have a session connecting to both my closet PCs, one for testing in IE7 and one for testing in IE6. Works great, even on my old 1.2 GHz G4.
And apparently I can change the keys so that Cmd-V is Control-V which is double fantastic.
Thanks, MDU. No, seriously.
I dont think so. I prefer something substantial not small (micro) and flaccid (soft)
Is it more stable? The old version is horrid. Windows ME-horrid. Unfortunately, I has to use it almost daily.
Too slow for me right now. I tried looking in at work with this and it just crawled when trying to look at some live data. It just gave up and froze. Nice to know they are working on it though.
just tried it out on my 500mhz powerbook g3 and it ran – surprisingly well, actually. probably faster than emulation would. =)
I used to use msft rdc for mac.
but I moved to CoRD:
http://cord.sourceforge.net/
I’m trying to use less Microsoft – not more.
Li’l Gore – Let’s go huntn’. I’ll bring the fire arms you can roll the splif. Got to watch me with the rifle tho – I didn’t get any training.
Thanks for the link; I’ve been looking for alternatives to MS’ own RDP client
It still sucks because it has a very noticeable keyboard delay when typing. rdesktop works great and has no delay.
jj,
Cool, thanks for linking that. Had no idea there was an alternative client. Looks cool.
jj,
thanks for the link, but i can’t use yours either. there is still noticeable keyboard delay when typing. rdesktop is still the best for speed. any idea why there is keyboard lag in MS and your client?
The keyboard delay is due to the soul blackening process. Each keystroke makes the soul a little blacker…
I used to use a program called ‘Viral Identity” because it gave you a virus and stole your identitly all at the same time but now I use ‘Family Theft’ …it’ll ravage your entire family ..not only does your wife not recognize you but you won’t even know your own kids. Microsofts RDCC beta for Mac sounds real good but I’ve found some other fine ways to bring despair into my life. oh, yeah, and one more thing ..I’m probably full of crap.
Thanks for the link jj I check it out.
I downloaded the MS product but I really really don’t want to type my password, Why the heck do I need to? The previous version of RDC didn’t ask for it.
What?? I don’t want Microsoft to remotely connect to my Mac’s desktop, beta or not! Take your filthy code off my Mac you damn dirty Ballmer!
Anyone found a way to use this with Win 2000? I understand you can only connect to XP pro or the server editions.