What's new in Remote Desktop Connection

Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2 features a redesigned user interface, improved customization options, and the ability to connect to multiple Windows-based computers at the same time. The following table lists the latest improvements to Remote Desktop Connection.

Feature

Description

Universal binary

Runs on both Intel-based and PowerPC-based Macs.

User interface and menu bar

Simplifies the connection window and expands the menu bar to include menus for common tasks (File, Edit, View, and Help). Application preferences are now located on the RDC menu.

Remote Desktop Protocol 6.0

Improves performance and compatibility with Windows Vista.

Multiple sessions

Connects to multiple computers when you save a connection file for each computer. Use the new File menu to open new, saved, and previously opened connections and to manage all changes to connection files.

Better customization than Remote Desktop Connection 1.0

Accepts changes to application preferences, such as keyboard shortcuts, during a Remote Desktop session. Changes take effect the next time that you connect.

Automatic reconnection

Reestablishes a remote session when the network connection is lost.

Screen sizing options

Runs the Remote Desktop session in a resizable window or in full-screen mode.

Printing

Prints your Windows-based documents to any printer that is connected to the Macintosh computer.

Network Level Authentication

Verifies the identity of the Windows-based computer before establishing a Remote Desktop connection. You can select this option when you connect to a computer that is running Windows Vista. Network Level Authentication is more secure than authentication options in earlier versions of Windows.

Wide-screen resolution

Provides settings for improved resolution on wide-screen displays.

Server console sessions

Speeds login when you specify "console" as part of the computer name.

What’s New in Beta2
 Multiple Sessions Improvement
Due to popular demand, we redesigned the File menu and now allow you to launch multiple Remote Desktop Connection sessions from the menu. Here is a summary of the redesigned File menu commands:
 
• File > New: Starts a new session with default settings from Default.rdp.
• File > Open: Starts a new session with the connection file that you choose.
• File > Open Recent: Provides convenient access to recently opened connection files.
• File > Edit: Starts a new Remote Desktop instance with the connection file you choose. This command allows you to edit the connection settings before connecting.
• File > Save: Saves connection settings to a file.

The item is listed as 2.0, but it is actually still in beta.