Microsoft releases the final version of its Remote Desktop app

Jul 2, 2008 09:25 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft's new Remote Desktop Connection Client 2 for Mac has finally gone... final. After a year of being in public beta, Remote Desktop Connection Client 2 includes multiple session support, a new UI, offers you the ability to create keyboard shortcuts during sessions, and more. Remote Desktop Client 2 is free to download and use.

The company behind the Windows operating system notes that multiple session support gives Mac users simultaneous access to multiple Windows-based PCs or to a network server that hosts remote applications and files. It works with Vista and it is a Universal application, hence Remote Desktop Connection Client 2 is compatible with the latest in Windows and Mac.

As far as the new UI is concerned, MS claims its application is now more customizable, as users are able to create their own keyboard shortcuts and even tweak up preferences during active sessions. Printing from Windows applications can be done using any printer that can be configured from a Mac.

The application now uses a new network authentication method in Windows Vista called Network Level Authentication (NLA), which offers security enhancements and completes user authentication before you establish a full Remote Desktop Connection. Also included in the second iteration of Remote Desktop Client are Microsoft Error Reporting Tool and Microsoft AutoUpdate which you can use to anonymously submit data on software related issues and get software updates as soon as they are available.

With Remote Desktop Connection Client 2, you can connect to Windows-based PCs to access Windows-based files, applications, devices, and networks right from your Mac. Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2 is a free download. The program runs natively on both Intel and PowerPC-based machines, with the RDC bundle supporting eight languages. Click HERE to get Remote Desktop Connection Client 2 for Mac (Mac OS X 10.4.9 or later).