A thin client is a simple graphical computer that relies on a powerful central server for most of it's processing. These devices send input like keyboard entries and mouse movements to the server, and receive output from the server in the form of what you see on your display and printer jobs.

Standard computers could be referred to as "fat clients" in a typical business system. Fat clients and most applications do as much processing as possible on the local computer - only interacting with servers for communication or data storage.

Thin clients have many advantages over traditional "fat client" computer workstations:

• Lower IT support costs - Thin clients are easier to maintain since they get their Windows desktop and are managed from a central server. Malware like viruses and spyware are no longer a problem because thin clients are highly restricted "stateless" devices.
   
• Lower hardware investment costs - Thin clients do not contain a hard disk or cooling fans, they do not contain a standard CPU and large amounts of application memory. Reducing the number of internal parts reduces the cost. Thin clients are usable much longer than regular PCs too... over 6 years in most cases.
   
• Easier to secure - Thin clients do not store any data on themselves, only rendering screens for display. Security is completely handled at the server level, physical data theft from a thin client is impossible.
   
• Better for the environment - Thin clients use about 20% of the electricity that normal PCs do, and run cooler as well, resulting in lower air-conditioning operating costs.

CORE Desktop's centralized model relies on thin clients to deliver an easier, better, and more affordable IT system to small and medium business.

We have partnered with Neoware, the number one producer of thin clients for centralized Windows computing.