Terminals — Old but Handy Remote Connection Manager
Terminals is one of those Windows tools that never tried to look modern, but still gets the job done. It’s an open-source remote connection manager that puts RDP, SSH, VNC, Telnet and a few other protocols into a single, tabbed interface. No need to run five different clients just to check on a handful of servers — you keep everything in one window, switching tabs like you would in a browser.
How it feels in use
You open Terminals, click a saved connection, and the session pops up in its own tab. Maybe two RDP sessions, an SSH into a Linux host, and a VNC view of a test machine — all living side by side. The built-in password manager means you don’t have to re-enter credentials every time, and grouping helps when you’ve got dozens of servers to track.
The interface isn’t slick, but it’s quick. Fullscreen mode, keyboard shortcuts, and instant reconnects make it practical for people who spend hours jumping between environments.
Quick reference
| Feature | Detail |
| Platform | Windows 7–11 |
| Protocols | RDP, SSH, VNC, Telnet, Rlogin, ICA |
| Interface | Multi-tabbed sessions, grouping |
| Credential storage | Built-in password manager |
| Portability | Config export and portable mode |
| License | Open source (GPL) |
Why people still use it
– All the main remote protocols are covered without juggling extra tools.
– Tabs make it far easier to keep track of sessions.
– The password manager saves a lot of repeated typing.
– Lightweight — no heavy enterprise overhead.
Typical situations
– A sysadmin keeps five RDP tabs open to production servers, checking them in rotation.
– A developer bounces between a Linux VM over SSH and a Windows test box in RDP, all in one console.
– A support engineer runs VNC into a user’s desktop while staying logged into backend systems.
Things you notice
– Updates aren’t frequent; the project feels slow compared to newer tools.
– The interface is plain and looks dated, though it’s still functional.
– No built-in automation — it’s a client, not an orchestration tool.
Comparison with others
| Tool | What stands out | Best fit |
| Terminals | Multi-protocol, tabbed, simple | Users who want a no-nonsense client |
| MobaXterm | Actively developed, SSH extras | Admins who live in SSH sessions |
| Remote Desktop Manager | Enterprise integration, vaults | Teams managing hundreds of sessions |
| Royal TS | Polished UI, commercial support | Enterprises needing vendor backing |
| PuTTY | Minimal SSH/Telnet | Users needing the bare minimum |
Minimal checklist
□ Download and run installer or portable build.
□ Add saved RDP/SSH/VNC connections.
□ Organize sessions into groups.
□ Save credentials securely.
□ Export configuration as a backup.