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What
is a Thin-Client?
The idea
behind thin-client computing is simple: centralize
computing power, storage, applications, and data on
"servers" (powerful computers) and provide
users with an inexpensive "client" device. The
client connects to the server through the network to
process applications, access files, print, and perform
services available to ordinary computers. The advantages
are many: lower technology costs, reliable computing,
easy-to-use devices, low maintenance needs, and secure
data. Any user device connected via the thin-client
protocol is a thin client. Certain devices are optimized
for the thin-client protocol and provide the greatest
cost savings. A thin-client solution has four main
ingredients. Thin-client devices are smaller than
typical desktop computers (about the size of a textbook)
and contain fewer parts:
- A
microprocessor capable of processing graphics
- Network
interface capability
- A
video subsystem
- Enough
memory (about 8 MB) to run the software to connect
to the server
With fewer
parts to breakdown, a thin client will function without
failure for significantly longer than a typical
computer. The small, sealed-case design has no
vulnerable openings such as floppy drives or CD-ROM
drives. They cost less than other computers because they
do not need a hard disk or require much memory (RAM). To
run the thin-client protocol requires a technology and
set-up investment in servers and software.
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