# Remote System Explorer Connections

When you first open the Remote System Explorer, you are not connected to any system except your local workstation. To connect to a remote server, you need to define a connection. A connection is a TCP/IP network connection to your server, that enables you to access, edit, run, compile, and debug items on the server. When you define a connection, you select the type of connection you want, specify the name or IP address of the remote system and you also give the connection itself a unique name that acts as a label in your workspace so that you can easily connect and disconnect. These actions are performed in the Remote System Explorer.

When you open the workbench for the first time, you need to define a profile, define a connection, and then connect to a server. When you connect, the workbench prompts you for your user ID and password on that server so that you can access the folders and files on that server.

Note: Make sure you have started the server programs on your remote system. These programs depend on the kind of system you are connecting to. See the appropriate tasks below for the recommended ways to configure and start your server.

When you have a connection, you can organize your data using filters, filter pools, and filter pool references, which list a set of folders and files from your server in the Remote Systems view.

You can use the Remote System Explorer to access files on many kinds of servers, such as Linux, UNIX, Windows, or your local workstation. See the links below for information on how to connect to these other kinds of servers.

Related concepts
Remote System Explorer filters, filter pools, and filter pool references
Remote System Explorer Profiles
Universal Systems

Related tasks
Connecting to a remote Linux or UNIX server
Connecting to a remote Windows server