Glossary

 

 

 

A

Action

Element of a NetMan -> Script; added to Advanced, Installation and NetMan Startup/Shutdown Script types; individual task for execution by the NetMan Action Interpreter.

Active Directory

A directory service that Microsoft introduced with Windows 2000 for central storage of all properties, such as users, groups, computers, etc.

Anonymous users

User accounts on a Remote Desktop Session Host or in a domain for anonymous access to Remote Desktop Session Hosts. Anonymous users generally have severely limited rights on a Remote Desktop Session Host.

Application

A Windows application served by NetMan; served in a NetMan 'Program'-type Script or a Program Action.

Application session

A Remote Desktop session in which only a particular application is served, rather than an entire Windows desktop. In Citrix terminology, this is also referred to as a published application.

 

B

Browser agent

A string of characters sent by every browser to indicate the browser's name, its version and – usually – the operating system on which it is running. This string is sent in the HTTP header, from the browser to the web server over the HTTP protocol.

 

C

CA

-> Certification Authority

Certificate authority

A certificate authority (CA) is a company that issues digital certificates. Certificates are comparable to a personal identification card. A digital certificate contains a "key," or decryption code, as well as additional information for authentication and for encryption and decryption of sensitive or confidential data distributed over the Internet and in other networks. This additional information can include, for example, the period of validity for the certificate, references to lists of blocked certificates, or similar information added to the certificate by the -> CA. The CA is responsible for issuing and verifying such certificates.

Certification Authority

A certification authority certifies public keys from registered users in accordance with Internet standard RFC 1422; in other words, it issues certificates. The certification authority checks the content of the key, particularly the identity. The underlying principle is that keys to be distributed, together with their control information, are signed off by the CA using their secret key and in this form are distributed as "certificates."

Citrix Java client

Enables access to a XenApp (or MetaFrame) server from the browser in the form of a Java applet. The Java client is useful for platform-independent access. Communication is over the ICA protocol.

Citrix web client

The Citrix web client enables access to a XenApp (or MetaFrame) server from the browser. Communication is over the ICA protocol.

Collection

A collection of Scripts. Collections are added to various sections of the user interface and serve the NetMan -> Scripts to users, e.g. to provide access to programs. For example, if you have several different Scripts that launch office applications, you might group them in a Collection called "Office Applications". Collections are shown on the Windows desktop, in the Windows Start menu or in the NetMan Web Interface. There are four -> Collection types in NetMan: Windows Start menu, Windows desktop, NetMan Web Interface and Universal. Collections are edited in the -> Collection Editor.

Collection Editor

Program for editing -> Collections.

Collection types

There are four -> Collection types in NetMan: Windows Start menu, Windows desktop, Web Interface and Universal. The type of a Collection determines the configuration options available for that Collection. For example, a Windows Start menu Collection cannot be loaded in the Web Interface. If you wish to serve a given Collection in multiple different position, use a Universal-type Collection.

Concurrent-use (licensing)

Licensing scheme that counts the simultaneous use of NetMan by different workstations.

Console session

A special form of session in which the user is connected with the server over RDP, but sees the console window content. (Command to open the session: MSTSC.EXE /CONSOLE)

 

D

Database

The NetMan Database is a high-performance, schema-free, document oriented NoSQL database. All NetMan data are stored in this database; this includes: user and station data, Script files, settings, and documents of all types. You can use the NetMan File Browser to access documents the NetMan database. The database structure enables advanced NetMan functions, such as the -> replication and -> server migration features.

Desktop Session Script

A Desktop Session Script opens a Remote Desktop session on a Remote Desktop Session Host. A Windows interface is opened in the session, but no particular programs are launched.

Digital certificate

Certificates are comparable to a personal identification card. A digital certificate contains a "key," or decryption code, as well as additional information for authentication and for encryption and decryption of sensitive or confidential data distributed over the Internet and in other networks. This additional information can include, for example, the period of validity for the certificate, references to lists of blocked certificates, or similar information added to the certificate by the -> CA.

Dynamic connection

Mapping of a network share or volume to a specified drive. The dynamic connection mechanism can use any drive for mapping, or draw from a restricted set of drives that you define.

 

E

Environment

The NetMan environment contains the NetMan variables.

 

F

Folder

A special type of NetMan Script, used as an organizational element in Collections. A Folder Script has only a few configurable properties. You can assign permissions for Folder Script access.

 

G

GUID

Globally unique identifier. A globally unique number (128 bit length), used in computer systems. The Windows operating system uses GUIDs for unambiguous identification of objects and components.

 

H

HTTP session

Term for sessions opened on web servers with scripting at the server end.

Hyperlink

-> URL; on-line access point; HTML documents in general.

 

I

ICA protocol

Communication protocol from the Citrix company. Used with XenApp products to transfer screen content and user actions between server and client.

ICA session

A session on a XenApp server using the ICA protocol.

Installation Script

A type of NetMan Script. Executes a NetMan installation package.

 

L

Launch method

A set of rules that determines how an application is launched: whether locally or on a Remote Desktop Session Host/XenApp Server, and with which network client.

 

M

Microsoft RDP web client

Lets you access a Windows server with Remote Desktop Services or Terminal Services. Communication is over RDP.

 

N

Named sites (licensing)

-> Per device licensing

NetMan Access Control

The NetMan Access Control program lets you specify IP addresses and host names for granting or denying access. You can have user names assigned on the basis of IP address (or segments of addresses), for example to provide more meaningful identifiers than Windows can for anonymous users, when using the NetMan User Service. An IP address or host name-based user name at least provides information on the range of IP addresses or host names in which the client can be found.

NetMan Action Interpreter

Executing instance of the NetMan Client. Interprets and executes jobs downloaded from the central NetMan system.

NetMan Client

The NetMan user interface on Windows workstations; integrates NetMan ->Collections in the Windows desktop and/or Windows Start menu. The NetMan Client can remain completely invisible to your users, or you can have the -> NetMan Start program place an icon in the notification area of the Windows task bar for user access.

NetMan client service

A service that is required on stations on which the NetMan Client is installed.

NetMan RDP web client

Lets you access a Windows server with Remote Desktop Services using RDP. This client offers more functions than the Microsoft RDP web client. Communication is over RDP.

NetMan Recorder

You can use the NetMan Recorder to record installation processes in order to reproduce the results using an -> Installation Script. The results of the recording process are gathered in a NetMan -> Package and integrated in an Installation Script by the Script Generator.

NetMan Service

Central NT service that manages data on users, stations, licenses and the usage of NetMan Scripts.

NetMan start file

A file with the two-letter extension NM; when this file type is used to launch a NetMan -> Script using the Web Interface, the Script runs on the client machine rather than on a Remote Desktop Session Host.

NetMan Start program

Operating interface in the NetMan Client that can be used to open and exit the NetMan Client.

NetMan Tools

One of the elements in the NetMan Collection of administrative programs. This is a Toolbox Action configured to provide access to NetMan system programs.

NetMan User Service

The NetMan User Service sets the passwords for NetMan anonymous users at run-time. This service is automatically installed and activated during NetMan installation.

NetMan web service

A NetMan service that implements the main functions for the enhancement of Remote Desktop Session Hosts and for the Web Interface.

NM files

Files with the *.nm file name extension; used for launching NetMan configurations from HTML pages. -> NetMan start file

NT4 domain

A central user database for Windows networks. Starting with Windows 2000, this was replaced by --> Active Directory.

NTFS

New Technology File System. File system developed by Microsoft for the Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista operating systems.

 

P

Package

NetMan Package; an installation package that contains both an executable installation program and all of the files necessary for carrying out the installation. Installation packages are created with the NetMan Recorder. Use packages in Installation Scripts to automate application rollout.

Per device licensing

A licensing scheme that counts the number of workstations registered in the NetMan system. Each station is registered automatically when it logs on to NetMan. If a license is unused for a period of 40 days, it is released and can be used by another station.

Published application

Created with Citrix software to access a session on a -> XenApp server. The Web Interface requires the published application as a template for building up the connection.

 

R

RDP Session Broker

A server component in NetMan for implementation of load balancing and session reconnecting for RDP clients at the RD protocol level.

Record attributes

In addition to the standard entries (user, station, date, time), the NetMan database logs events.

Remote administration

Technology that enables remote administration of servers and workstations. Remote Desktop sessions are one of the tools used by Microsoft for remote administration.

Remote Desktop Acceleration

Also called RDA. A mechanism that uses intelligent compression techniques and packet shaping to reduce the volume of data transferred over RDP, thus making the transfer 10 to 25 times faster. In environments with slow data connections, this means a significant improvement in the user experience.

Remote Desktop Protocol

Also called RDP. The RD protocol is used for communication between workstation and Remote Desktop Session Host, to transfer screen content and user actions. RDP is based on ITU standard T-120 and adapted by Microsoft for the special requirements of Remote Desktop Session Hosts.

Remote Desktop Services

Services from Microsoft that make it possible to open a session on a Windows server during which screen content and user actions are exchanged over RDP.

Remote Desktop session

A session on a Remote Desktop Session Host over the RD protocol.

Remote Desktop Session Host

This term is used here to designate a server in the sense of the Microsoft -> Remote Desktop Services. Remote Desktop Session Hosts serve applications in Remote Desktop sessions.

Remote Desktop Users

A local user group on a Remote Desktop Session Host. All users who wish to open a session on a Remote Desktop Session Host must be members of this group.

Replication

A mechanism for server failover in your NetMan System. You can set up a replica set of 3, 5, 7 or any other odd number of servers. One of the servers is set up as the primary server. If the primary server fails, a secondary NetMan server takes over its tasks. Configured correctly, this mechanism can protect your NetMan system from system failure.

 

S

Script

A NetMan Script is a sequence of NetMan -> Actions. As a rule, a Script will launch a program. It is also possible, however, to use Scripts for purely administrative purposes. There are six different types of -> Script: Program, URL, NetMan Startup/Shutdown, Advanced, Installation and Desktop Session. Scripts are edited in the -> Script Editor. The Script Editor has two versions of its main window: the streamlined view and the expert view. The expert view lets you edit Advanced Scripts, for example, which you can configure as desired using your choice of NetMan Actions. Scripts have other configurable properties as well, and you can require access permissions to regulate access to Scripts.

Script Editor

Program for editing NetMan -> Scripts. The Script Editor has two versions of its main window: The streamlined view is a somewhat reduced interface that is easy to use in creating Program Scripts, -> URL Scripts and -> Desktop Session Scripts quickly and efficiently. The expert view is more complex and requires a good working knowledge of NetMan -> Actions, because you have to define the entire Script sequence yourself. Use the expert view to create highly customized Script sequences in Advanced Scripts, -> Installation Script and NetMan Startup/Shutdown Scripts.

Script types

The type of a NetMan Script is a property that serves the organization of your NetMan system, and determines which view is used in the -> Script Editor when you open a Script for editing. NetMan distinguishes the following Script types: Program Script: a Script that runs a program. -> URL Script: opens a URL in the browser. Startup/Shutdown Script: used for NetMan -> startup and NetMan -> shutdown. Advanced Script: contains freely configurable Action sequences. Installation Script: installs a -> Package. -> Desktop Session Script: opens a desktop session on a Remote Desktop Session Host.

Server migration

A mechanism that enables you to shift your entire NetMan installation from one server to another; for example, to implement a hardware upgrade. Can also be used to rename your current NetMan server.

Shutdown Script

A Script specified in the NetMan Settings; processed when the NetMan software is shut down.

Startup Script

A Script specified in the NetMan Settings; processed when the NetMan Client is launched.

Station profile

A set of NetMan station properties defined in a profile. Each station can be assigned to only one profile.

 

T

Terminal Server

-> Remote Desktop Session Host

Terminal Services

Remote services in Windows Server 2003. -> Remote Desktop Services

Ticketing

Technique for issuing a "ticket" (a form of authentication for server access). In NetMan, the ticket contains information specifying the application to be executed on the server for the user. A ticket is valid for a limited time only, after which it cannot be used.

Timeout

NetMan can monitor the applications that are started, and close them if no input is detected for a defined period of time. That defined period is called the "timeout".

 

U

URL

Uniform Resource Locator; a type of Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). A URL identifies a resource by its primary access mechanism (e.g., HTTP or FTP) and the location of the resource in a computer network. NetMan URL Scripts open Internet resources in the default browser.

User group

You can group your NetMan users, for example to simplify the assignment of permissions to NetMan Actions and Scripts.

User ID

A unique designation that identifies a user; registered in the -> user database.

User profile

A set of NetMan user properties defined in a profile. You can assign the same profile to multiple users, but each user can be assigned only one profile.

 

V

Variables

NetMan supports both system and local environment variables. The NetMan Environment Monitor gives you an overview of the variables in use.

 

W

Web Interface

The NetMan Web Interface is a web front-end that you can use to give your users access to applications. The Web Interface displays in the browser, and thus has far lower requirements on the hardware and system environment than other types of program. You can use the Web Interface to connect clients with low-performance hardware specifications, or clients on which no Windows operating system is installed. Prerequisite for launching applications via the Web Interface is a local installation of the -> NetMan RDP web client and/or an up-to-date Java runtime environment (1.5/1.6) and a suitable Java client. These clients can be installed by the Web Interface.

Windows Script Host

Also called WSH. Provided by Microsoft for enhancement of the Windows operating system. The script host enables access to operating system functions using the VBScript and JScript languages. NetMan provides interfaces to its system functions for the script host, which can be used by VBScript and JScript programmers to expand and adapt NetMan features.

Working directory

The working directory for NetMan is %nmwindir%\NetMan\Bin.

 

X

XenApp

An add-on from the Citrix company for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services. Enables, for example, access to XenApp servers from non-Windows platforms such as Macintosh or Unix.