A client access license is required for a Macintosh-based computer to connect to Terminal Services or Remote Desktop Services running on Windows 2000 Server (326422)

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Every client computer that connects to a Windows 2000-based computer requires a CAL. The CAL grants the client computer the right to access Terminal Services or Remote Desktop Services that are running on a Windows 2000-based computer. CALs are used by Windows Terminal Services and clients to track server license use. The CAL is required to start a terminal session and to run Windows-based programs on the server. Macintosh computers store the license in the "/Users/Shared/Microsoft/RDC Crucial Server Information" folder. The CAL is sent to the server when a connection is made.

When a Macintosh client connects to a server for the first time, the licensing protocol starts the server grace period. The grace period permits the client to use Terminal Services immediately even if a license server is not available, and provides a temporary license. However, the grace period also enforces the need for a license server because the client will not be able to connect without a CAL to terminal services after the grace period expires. Typically, the server grace period lasts for 90 days. The server grace period ends when the Windows Terminal Server communicates with a license server for the first time, or when the 90-day period expires, whichever comes first.

Additionally, if a CAL is lost or deleted, the temporary license that is provided by the server grace period permits the client to continue to connect to the server until the original license becomes available again.

A CAL that is no longer used by a client can be reassigned to another client after 89 days of inactivity. However, if a client requests a new license but no more licenses are available, a temporary client license is issued by a license server. This gives an administrator sufficient time to purchase more licenses before any interruption in client service occurs.

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For additional information about CALs, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: For more information about Windows 2000 Terminal Services licensing, visit the following Microsoft Web page: The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.