The other day at lunch someone asked me to explain the difference between Windows Terminal Server and Go To My PC.
Explaining technical issues is tough when you are talking with someone who doesn’t work with computers or servers for a living. So usually I start my explanations with a metaphor. But before I did that, I gave a little background..
“Terminal server runs natively on the Operating System. In other words, it is part of the OS, where Go To My PC is an add on. It runs on top of the OS, which means, there can be compatibility problems and possibly unnecessary slowdowns if Terminal Server is an option.”
He went on to say “I don’t really understand. Go To My PC seems fine for me. It’s fast enough.”
I said, “Well, other people see it as weak and slow compared to terminal server.”
He asked if it was just an opinion I was relaying about the “running natively, versus running Go To My PC on top of the OS.”
Here’s where I dropped my worst technical metaphor EVER…
I said, “Look, it’s like if you had a monkey. If you take the monkey and put a top hat on him, then all you’ve got is a monkey in a top hat. Go To My PC is like the monkey in a top hat. When all you really needed to get the job done was a monkey…”
Then, an overwhelming sense of ridiculousness kicked in. “Wait, wait… I just made absolutely no f-ing sense, ignore that…” I said, laughing.
He ignored me and pressed on… “So having a monkey without a top hat is somehow better than a monkey with a top hat?”
“Yeah,” I said. “The monkey is more efficient. He doesn’t have to worry about keeping his hat on.”
“What do monkeys do that require so much efficiency that a top hat becomes a productivity killer?” He asked.
“Well, think about the upkeep a monkey has with a top hat. He has to keep up with it. He has to have it dry cleaned. Heck, he’ll have to learn how to tip it when pretty women walk by. Having a top hat is a huge responsibility…”
We were both almost in tears crying from laughter at this point. Other tables were starting to stare wondering what these two were laughing so loudly about.
Had another tech geek overheard the conversation, I can just picture the reaction. “I think that guy just compared Terminal Server to a monkey in a top hat… WTF?”
Is there a point to this story?
Not really.
I am only telling you this in hopes the next time you log on remotely – using Terminal Services or Go To My PC, you’ll think about a monkey in a top hat. Then you’ll be reminded of me… 
{ 4 comments }
The monkey metaphor is hilarious, but aside from that, I think your friend was on a good point — and one that us technical/professional people could do well to remember. A lamborghini is a better car, objectively, then a taurus. But as a casual car driver, I’m personally better off with the taurus. Similarly, if your friend doesn’t notice the objective drawbacks (in speed, for example) of Go To My PC, then for him, subjectively, it may be sufficient, or even better.
Ian, you are right, you have to consider the cost/benefit of such expenditures. This is something I normally do. But with my lack of sleep I had a looney monkey on my back – with a top hat on his head!
Don’t forget the security risks. GotomyPC uses CHAP with MD5 and all, but I don’t like implementing something where I am not in control of security from top to bottom.
If one day GotomyPC’s servers get hacked, then you may be compromised. Implementing your own solution means that you have the autonomy to secure your own servers your way. That way, if you get compromised, it’ll be your own fault.
Nothing is worse than being compromised because of SOMEONE ELSE. You’re still going to take the same amount of heat for it.
Yes that’s a good point. Controlling your security does give a lot of piece of mind.
To keep with the theme of the post, it’s like having a monkey with a top hat super glued to his head. You can’t swap it out for a birthday cap on those special occasions.
….sheesh I need sleep!!!