There is a little bit of terminology we should clear up first to make this easier to understand. In Terminal Server there are three states (or stages) of connection:

1. Active – This means you are connected to the server from your workstation and are actively working.
2. Idle – This means that you are connected to the server from your workstation but are not, and have not been for at least 5 minutes, actively working.
3. Disconnected – This means that the connection between your computer and the server has been closed. Your user account is still logged in to the server and any programs you had open are still running however.

From your workstation the first two states will look identical to you: you will see your desktop and all of your open programs as if they were running right there on your computer.

When disconnected you will not see your remote desktop nor any of the programs you had open and running. It will look to you as if you have been logged off. When you log back in to the server, however, you will be placed right back where you left off and all of your open programs will still be there exactly as you left them. This is because the server keeps your account active even though you are not connected to it – this is what is known as being disconnected.

Time Limits:

We have time limits set for each state of connection. These limits are in place to govern the usage of server resources. If an agent is logged in and not doing anything for long periods of time then they are wasting server resources that could otherwise be given to more active users at that time.

Below is the list of time limits that we have in place by default for each agency.

1. Active – Active sessions are limited to 24 hours before the server will kick you out. This is the maximum time that we will allow users to be online working continuously. (Let’s face it, if you’ve been working 24 hours straight then it’s about time someone gives you an excuse to stop and rest)
2. Idle – Idle sessions are limited to 1 hour. If you have not done anything in over an hour then it is assumed you are no longer at your desk and the server will close your connection in order to free up network speed – both in your office and on the server.
3. Disconnected – Disconnected sessions are, again, limited to 1 hour. If your session has been disconnected for an hour then it is assumed you are not planning to return and the server saves your data and logs your account off, freeing up those resources for other users to share.

Last updated on December 2, 2009 by Adam Kotter