The Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2.0 allows users of Mac OS X to access and work with files and programs based on a Windows computer, including Windows Vista. Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2.0 has reached beta stage and is a Universal Binary, designed to integrate seamlessly with both Intel-based and PowerPC-based Macs. Additionally, the software supports Multiple Sessions, permitting users to connect and use multiple Windows machines simultaneously. Version 2 of Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac also comes with Remote Desktop Protocol 6.0, enhancing Vista compatibility.

"We decided that it was time to update RDC. There were several reasons behind this decision, including a new Remote Desktop Protocol, the need to be able to connect to Vista, and the OS X switch to the Intel architecture. Instead of updating the existing code, we decided to re-develop RDC v2 from the ground up using the latest Remote Desktop Protocol. At WWDC 2006, we announced that we would update RDC, and we've had a team working on it ever since," explained Nadyne Mielke, User experience researcher, Macintosh Business Unit.

One of the main improvements introduced to this release is the overhauled graphical user interface. Microsoft in fact underscored the improved user experience and usability the new version of the tool will deliver. "One of the major differences in RDC v2 is that we've completely redone the UI. I did a usability study of RDC v1 that revealed several issues. Our new UI isn't hugely obvious when you first look at the application - the UI has always been quite minimal, and we've retained that in RDC v2. RDC v1 uses a disclosure triangle to show you the connection options. In RDC v2, to be a better Mac citizen, we've moved these options to a standard Preferences menu. This should improve the discoverability of many of the features that we've always had built in, such as being able to view your Mac's hard drive when you're connected to your Windows computer," Mielke added.

Additionally, the updated Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac comes with full support for dynamic screen resizing, allowing users not only to manage their screen size, but also to work in full screen mode. Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection 2.0b1 was tested by Softpedia as being 100% Clean and is available for download here.