Terminal Server License Key Generator: A Comparison and Review of Different Software Products and Services
How to Generate and Use Terminal Server License Keys
Terminal Server License Key Generator
In this article, I will explain how to generate and use terminal server license keys, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this method. I will also provide some alternatives and reviews of different tools that can help you with this task.
What is a terminal server license key and why do you need it?
A terminal server is a computer that hosts multiple sessions of remote users who can access the server's resources and applications through a network connection. A terminal server can run various operating systems, such as Windows Server, Linux, or macOS, depending on the needs of the users and the applications.
A terminal server license key is a code that grants permission to a client machine to connect to a terminal server and use its services. A client machine can be any device that has a compatible remote desktop protocol (RDP) client software installed, such as Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, or iOS devices. A terminal server license key is usually composed of alphanumeric characters that are encrypted with a secret key or algorithm.
You need a terminal server license key if you want to:
Access software that requires high processing power or specific operating systems that your client machine does not have.
Share software licenses among multiple users without installing them on each client machine.
Reduce hardware costs and energy consumption by using fewer servers and devices.
Enhance network and data security by centralizing the storage and management of sensitive information.
Increase flexibility and mobility by allowing users to access the same applications from different locations and devices.
How does a terminal server license key work?
A terminal server license key works by following these steps:
The client machine requests a connection to the terminal server by sending its credentials and product key.
The terminal server verifies the credentials and product key by decrypting them with its secret key or algorithm.
If the verification is successful, the terminal server grants access to the client machine and assigns it a session ID.
The client machine establishes an RDP connection with the terminal server and starts using its resources and applications.
The terminal server monitors the usage of the client machine and checks if it complies with the licensing terms and conditions.
If the usage exceeds the limits or violates the rules, the terminal server terminates the connection and revokes the product key.
How to generate a terminal server license key
There are different ways to generate a terminal server license key, depending on the source and the purpose of the key. Here are some common methods: Using a generic key generator tool
A generic key generator tool is a software that can create random product keys for various software products, including terminal servers. A generic key generator tool can be downloaded from the internet or installed from a CD or USB drive. Some examples of generic key generator tools are:
Software License Keygen
License Generator
Universal Keygen Generator
To use a generic key generator tool, you need to:
Select the software product that you want to generate a key for, such as Windows Server, Linux, or macOS.
Click on the generate button and wait for the tool to create a random product key.
Copy the product key and paste it on the client machine that you want to connect to the terminal server.
A generic key generator tool can be useful if you want to quickly create a product key for testing or personal use. However, there are some drawbacks of using this method, such as:
The product keys may not work or may be invalid or expired.
The product keys may be detected as pirated or illegal by the terminal server or the software vendor.
The product keys may pose security risks or contain malware or viruses.
Using a custom key generator tool
A custom key generator tool is a software that can create specific product keys for a particular software product, such as a terminal server. A custom key generator tool can be developed by the software vendor or by a third-party developer. Some examples of custom key generator tools are:
Windows Server Key Generator
Linux Key Generator
macOS Key Generator
To use a custom key generator tool, you need to:
Download or install the tool from the official website or a trusted source.
Enter some information or parameters that are required by the tool, such as your name, email, or license type.
Click on the generate button and wait for the tool to create a valid product key.
Copy the product key and paste it on the client machine that you want to connect to the terminal server.
A custom key generator tool can be useful if you want to create a product key that is guaranteed to work and is compatible with your software product. However, there are some drawbacks of using this method, such as:
The product keys may be expensive or require a subscription or registration fee.
The product keys may be limited in number or duration or have other restrictions.
The product keys may be revoked or deactivated by the software vendor or the terminal server if they are abused or misused.
Using a license key server
A license key server is a computer that hosts and manages multiple product keys for various software products, including terminal servers. A license key server can be set up by the software vendor or by an authorized reseller or distributor. Some examples of license key servers are:
Key Management Services (KMS)
Licensing Server
License Manager
To use a license key server, you need to:
Obtain a product key from the license key server by contacting the software vendor or the reseller or distributor.
Enter the product key on the client machine that you want to connect to the terminal server.
Connect to the license key server through the internet or a local network and activate the product key.
Use the terminal server resources and applications as long as the product key is valid and active.
A license key server can be useful if you want to:
Manage and monitor multiple product keys for different software products and users.
Ensure that the product keys are always updated and compliant with the licensing terms and conditions.
Reduce the risk of losing or forgetting the product keys or having them stolen or hacked.
However, there are some drawbacks of using this method, such as:
The license key server may be unavailable or inaccessible due to network issues or maintenance.
The license key server may be slow or overloaded due to high demand or traffic.
The license key server may be vulnerable to cyberattacks or unauthorized access.
How to use a terminal server license key
Once you have generated a terminal server license key, you need to use it to connect to the terminal server and use its resources and applications. To do this, you need to:
Installing the product key on the client machine
The first step is to install the product key on the client machine that you want to use to access the terminal server. This can be done by:
Opening the remote desktop client software on your device, such as Remote Desktop Connection, Remote Desktop Manager, or AnyDesk.
Entering the IP address or hostname of the terminal server that you want to connect to.
Entering your username and password for the terminal server.
Entering the product key that you have generated or obtained for the terminal server.
Clicking on the connect button and waiting for the connection to be established.
If the product key is valid and active, you should be able to see the terminal server desktop on your device screen. If not, you may see an error message or a warning that your product key is invalid, expired, or deactivated. In that case, you need to check your product key and try again, or contact your software vendor or license key server for assistance.
Activating the product key on the server machine
The second step is to activate the product key on the server machine that hosts the terminal server. This can be done by:
Logging in to the terminal server as an administrator or a user with sufficient privileges.
Opening the terminal server configuration tool, such as Terminal Services Configuration, Remote Desktop Services Manager, or Terminal Server Licensing.
Selecting the option to activate or register your product key with the software vendor or license key server.
Following the instructions on the screen and providing any information or verification that is required.
Waiting for the confirmation message that your product key has been activated or registered successfully.
If the product key is activated or registered successfully, you should be able to use the terminal server resources and applications without any issues. If not, you may see an error message or a warning that your product key is not activated, registered, or authorized. In that case, you need to check your product key and try again, or contact your software vendor or license key server for assistance.
Troubleshooting common issues
Sometimes, you may encounter some problems or difficulties when using a terminal server license key. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
IssueSolution
The product key does not work or is invalid.Check if you have entered the product key correctly and if it matches with your software product and version. Try generating or obtaining a new product key from a different source. Contact your software vendor or license key server for support.
The product key has expired or has been deactivated.Check if your product key has a limited duration or usage and if you have exceeded it. Try renewing or reactivating your product key with your software vendor or license key server. Contact your software vendor or license key server for support.
The product key has been detected as pirated or illegal.Check if you have obtained your product key from a legitimate source and if it complies with the licensing terms and conditions. Try obtaining a legal product key from your software vendor or license key server. Contact your software vendor or license key server for support.
The product key is not compatible with the terminal server or the client machine.Check if your product key is designed for the same operating system and version as your terminal server and your client machine. Try updating or upgrading your terminal server or your client machine to match with your product key. Contact your software vendor or license key server for support.
The connection between the client machine and the terminal server is slow or unstable.Check if your network connection is reliable and fast enough to support the RDP protocol. Try using a wired connection instead of a wireless one. Try reducing the bandwidth usage or the resolution of the RDP session. Contact your network administrator or service provider for support.
Advantages and disadvantages of terminal server license keys
Using terminal server license keys can have some benefits and drawbacks, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of them:
Pros: cost and energy saving, flexibility, network and data security
Some of the advantages of using terminal server license keys are:
You can save money and energy by using fewer servers and devices to run the same applications. You can also share software licenses among multiple users without having to buy or install them on each device.
You can have more flexibility and mobility by accessing the same applications from different locations and devices. You can also switch between different operating systems and versions without having to reinstall or reconfigure them.
You can enhance network and data security by centralizing the storage and management of sensitive information on the terminal server. You can also prevent unauthorized access or data loss by encrypting the RDP connection and using product keys.
Cons: performance and compatibility issues, licensing complexity, piracy risk
Some of the disadvantages of using terminal server license keys are:
You may experience performance and compatibility issues due to the limited resources or features of the terminal server or the client machine. You may also face network latency or congestion that affects the quality of the RDP connection.
You may encounter licensing complexity due to the different types and terms of product keys for different software products and users. You may also have to deal with activation, registration, renewal, or revocation processes for product keys.
You may face piracy risk due to the availability and usage of illegal or counterfeit product keys. You may also violate the licensing terms and conditions by using product keys that are not authorized or intended for your software product or user.
Alternatives to terminal server license keys
If you are not satisfied with using terminal server license keys, you may want to consider some alternatives that can provide similar or better services. Here are some of them:
Cloud computing services
Cloud computing services are online platforms that offer various resources and applications that you can access through a web browser or a dedicated client software. Cloud computing services can provide you with:
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS): You can rent servers, storage, networks, and other hardware components from a cloud provider and use them as you wish.
Platform as a service (PaaS): You can use software development tools, frameworks, libraries, and other software components from a cloud provider and create your own applications.
Software as a service (SaaS): You can use ready-made applications from a cloud provider and run them on their servers.
Some examples of cloud computing services are:
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Microsoft Azure
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
To use cloud computing services, you need to:
Create an account with a cloud provider and choose a subscription plan that suits your needs and budget.
Select the resources and applications that you want to use from the cloud provider's catalog.
Access the resources and applications through a web browser or a dedicated client software on your device.
Cloud computing services can be useful if you want to:
Have access to unlimited resources and applications that are scalable, reliable, and secure.
Have more control and customization over your resources and applications.
Pay only for what you use and avoid upfront or maintenance costs.
However, there are some drawbacks of using cloud computing services, such as:
You need a stable and fast internet connection to access the resources and applications from the cloud provider.
You may face security and privacy risks due to the storage and transmission of your data on the cloud provider's servers.
You may have less compatibility and interoperability with your existing software and hardware systems.
Virtualization software
Virtualization software is a software that can create and run virtual machines on a single physical machine. A virtual machine is a simulated computer that can run a different operating system and applications than the host machine. Virtualization software can provide you with:
Desktop virtualization: You can create and run multiple virtual desktops on your device and switch between them as you wish.
Server virtualization: You can create and run multiple virtual servers on your device and share them with other users through a network connection.
Application virtualization: You can create and run isolated applications on your device and access them without installing them.
Some examples of virtualization software are:
VMware Workstation
VirtualBox
Parallels Desktop
To use virtualization software, you need to:
Download or install the virtualization software on your device from the official website or a trusted source.
Create a virtual machine by selecting the operating system and the resources that you want to use.
Install the applications that you want to use on the virtual machine.
Run the virtual machine and access the applications as you wish.
Virtualization software can be useful if you want to:
Have access to multiple operating systems and applications on a single device.
Have more flexibility and portability by moving or copying your virtual machines across different devices.
Have more security and stability by isolating your applications from the host machine.
However, there are some drawbacks of using virtualization software, such as:
You need a powerful device with enough resources to run the virtualization software and the virtual machines.
You may experience performance and compatibility issues due to the emulation or translation of the operating system and the applications.
You may have to buy or install additional software licenses for the operating system and the applications on the virtual machines.
Remote desktop software
Remote desktop software is a software that can establish and maintain a remote desktop connection between two devices. A remote desktop connection is a network connection that allows you to access and control another device's desktop from your device. Remote desktop software can provide you with:
Remote access: You can access another device's desktop from your device and use its resources and applications as if you were sitting in front of it.
Remote support: You can provide or receive technical assistance or troubleshooting for another device's desktop from your device.
Remote collaboration: You can share or view another device's desktop with other users from your device and work together on a project or task.
Some examples of remote desktop software are:
TeamViewer
Radmin
Splashtop
To use remote desktop software, you need to:
Download or install the remote desktop software on both devices from the official website or a trusted source.
Create an account or a session ID with the remote desktop software and share it with the other user.
Enter the account or the session ID on your device and connect to the other device's desktop.
Access and control the other device's desktop as you wish.
Remote desktop software can be useful if you want