CNET Editors' review
Windows' built-in Remote Desktop Connection utility is a bit basic; it offers few options, and multiple connections fill up the taskbar, making it awkward to switch among desktops. If you regularly access multiple remote machines or just want an improved remote desktop client, check out RD Tabs from Avian Waves. It uses a tabbed interface to manage open remote connections with a familiar functionality similar to current browsers, keeping everything in one spot. But it offers so much more than just better organization, with extra features like password encryption, remote terminal server management, connection thumbnails, and command line scripting.
To use RD Tabs, your computer must have Microsoft Net Framework 2.0 or higher; the installer might use Windows Update to check for the latest version. We installed it on machines running Windows XP and Windows 7 Ultimate, and successfully established remote connections via both. That's no trick, though, since Windows does it well enough. But if you're familiar with the Windows client, RD Tabs' efficient yet feature-packed interface will come as a revelation. RD Tabs' clean dialog is anchored by a full complement of useful file menu entries, including an interesting Tools menu and numerous Connections menu settings. The connection tab bar and an additional taskbar display connection, time, and security status as well as other relevant data. Establishing a remote connection is just as easy as with the Windows tool, though, despite RD Tabs' numerous options; a New Connection wizard walked us through each step of the process. Tabs on the connection properties dialog let you configure everything from log-on and display options to alternate shells. There's even a user experience tab for allowing options like blinking cursors and bitmap caching, something unexpected that could prove useful in accessing an unusually configured remote machine. This flexible tool seems to lack no configuration option or setting.
If you regularly access remote desktops, RD Tabs can definitely improve your experience. It's an excellent example of the sort of free tool that not only enhances Windows but adds many capabilities, too.
Publisher's Description
From Avian Waves:
Windows Remote Desktop is great, except when you have to connect to dozens of them and it fills up your taskbar. Enter RD Tabs: the ultimate tabbed Remote Desktop Client. Not only does it provide all the expected ease-of-use features that tabbed applications like FireFox, Opera, and IE7 provide, but it takes Remote Desktop to the next level with features such as favorites with advanced editing, command line scripting, connection thumbnails, encrypted passwords, detached connection windows, remote desktop screen capture, remote terminal server management, and full RDP 6.0 support.
In addition, RD Tabs is 100 percent Vista compatible and works perfectly as a standard (non-admin) user on all versions of Windows.
What's new in this version: Version 2.1.24 reduced flicker during tab switching on some systems.
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All versions:
5.0 starsout of 7 votes
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Current version:
5.0 starsout of 2 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-2 of 2
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"Excellent Product"
Version: RD Tabs 2.1.24
Pros
Easy to setup. Maintains a list of 'Favorite' PCs to connect with.
Cons
Haven't found one yet.
Summary
Able to view the System Toolbar while using the RD Tabs product. Able to copy & paste to/from the remote desktop.
RD Tabs genuinely works as though you were sitting in front of the remote computer.
Overall excellent product. -
"RD Tabs 2.1.2"
Version: RD Tabs 2.1.24
Pros
Seems well developed and supported : I found I have no use for it as I do not have nearly enough remote contact to justify tabs. my mistake. there are tons of features in this though and it sure moved around fast on my machines
Cons
none I noted other than the fact I didnt need it. I wish i did need it, suppose the biggest con is that I dont need it.
Summary
I mistakenly installed this and found I have little use for tabs for remote desktops since i rarely have more than one at a time. I played with it though and found it was quick and offered plenty of features I only wish i could have used.
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