A user at a client may specify a URL including certain parameters necessary to establish a corresponding terminal server connection. A corresponding http request generated by Internet Explorer.RTM. is sent to a web server, which in response generates the complete set of parameters required for a terminal server connection using ASP script. The parameters, including terminal server name, terminal server application, log-on user name, log on user-password and screen size are returned within the structure of a URL address. The URL returned corresponds to a web page having embedded ActiveX.RTM. controls used to facilitate the desired terminal server connection. Terminal server client software on the client then establishes a terminal server connection using the parameters and ActiveX.RTM. functionality.