I’m one those guys who use a Remote Desktop Connection to log onto my WHS. For those users who actually do use the console, To Desktop is the add-in for you. Using To Desktop within the console, the user has the ability to easily access the WHS desktop inside the client console application. This makes the console a miniature RDC.
Installing the add-in is as simple as any other add-in. Copy the msi installer to your D:SoftwareAdd-ins folder, open the WHS Setting Window in the console and install the software from the Add-ins tab, as shown below.
Open the console from your client machine. You will see a normal WHS console connection, as seen below.
In order to access the add-in, open the WHS Settings option and locate the To Desktop tab. When you click on this item, you will see a window similar to the one below.
Clicking on the Minimize button does exactly that. It minimizes the console application, gives you access to the WHS desktop and opens Windows Explorer.
If you click on the Exit Full Screen, the result is the what you see below. The console is now maximized within the desktop. And Windows Explorer is opened once again.
The final option is Close. Clicking on this button closes the console application and puts you on the WHS desktop. And, once again, Windows Explorer is opened.
That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less. Except, I just need to mention that if you use the Close option, close the client console application, and then reopen it, you will not open it to the WHS console application. You will go straight to the desktop. So do not be alarmed! Just open the WHS console application from the WHS desktop and all is good.
This add-in also performs the exact same functions when logged onto the WHS through a RDC.
There is not much to say regarding program enhancements. Except I really do not like to access an add-in from the WHS setting window. My preference is to be able to access add-ins from the tabs at the top of the console. But that is just me.
So is this a must-have add-in? If you use RDC to access your WHS, no. If you use the client console to access the WHS console, then I would definitely consider using this add-in. Of course, you must be aware that anyone else using the console will have access to the WHS desktop, also. Just something to consider.
Author: C Hanlon
Version Reviewed: 1.0.1
Release: N/A
22. December 2008 at 9:58 pm
This is actually unnecessary. There is another way to do it.
With Advanced admin just open windows explorer. Once you open windows explorer you get the exact same result, just minimize the window.
Its easier if you create a shortcut to windows explorer once.
27. December 2008 at 7:22 am
I agreed, accessing an add-in through the setting interface is a bad practice. This addin should have its own tab. The functionality is nice thought.
Martin.