What is a "thin client"?

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.
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