What is a thin client?
- A thin client is an either a software program or to an actual computer or server that relies heavily on another computer to do most of its work. It operates as part of a network, with the client software or computer acting as an interface and the network server all the real work, like saving files, processing data, and controlling certain functions of the clients, like whether they can download things or not. This setup is commonly used in places with lots of people using computers, like businesses or schools. Though this system is often easier to maintain and use, it also has some downsides, including the lack of peripherals and limited performance.
- Ultra-thin clients, also known as zero clients, are similar to thin client computers except they do not contain any local storage. Whereas thin clients maintain a uniquely configured operating system (OS) located in the device’s flash memory, zero clients rely solely on the server’s configuration and resources.
- Both desktop and laptop thin clients are available from a wide range of manufacturers. Some specialize in thin client solutions, while others like Dell and HP provide thin client machines alongside thick clients as part of a broader portfolio.
- Thin clients are typically used in settings where a lot of people need to use computers. This includes public places like libraries, airports, and schools. The thin client setup is also popular in places where people need to be able to save and access information from a central location, like an office, a call center, or a manufacturing plant.
How does a thin client work?
- A thin client functions as a virtual desktop to connect to the applications, documents, data, and storage on networked servers, where the actual work is done. Most thin clients run web browsers and/or remote desktop software, such as Microsoft Terminal Services or Citrix XenApp. These client applications make it possible to access centralized server resources.
- With thin client architecture, you run the desktop environment on the central server, and remotely display the desktop screens on the client devices. To manage this on the server side, you need a special type of software called a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). VDI software creates the desktop images, stores them on servers, and sends them over the network to the endpoint devices. Though desktop virtualization is often a technology reserved for larger enterprises, thin clients make it more accessible for small businesses.
Advantages of thin clients
- These types of devices lack their own hard drives, fans, and other moving parts, so they are are smaller, cheaper and simpler for manufacturers to build than traditional laptop or desktop computers—and cheaper for you to buy. Mobile Wyse thin clients from Dell, for example, have a starting price point that is significantly less than most other Dell laptops. Plus, a thin client OS is more lightweight than that of a thick client, so the thin client setup and deployment process is much more efficient.
- Thin devices also decrease client maintenance costs and hassles. With moving parts and very little thin client software running on the device, some things can go wrong with a thin client, so they’re easier to maintain and fix. If a piece of thin client hardware does fail, you can easily swap in a replacement without losing productivity because employees don’t store any data on their client device.Since everything is managed, stored, and secured in a central server, thin client systems eliminate the issues of installing, updating and patching applications, backing up files, or scanning for viruses on individual computers. Because employees see and have access only to what they need to do their job, thin client workstations are easier for non-technical people to use.
Disadvantages of thin clients
Downsides to this type of setup include the lack of peripheral devices, the limited performance of certain tasks, and sometimes, the nature of the security system. Those clients that don’t have optical drives can’t play CDs or DVDs, and if a client doesn’t have input/output ports, it may be unable to easily connect to other devices, like a printer.
Most thin clients are so stripped down, their performance may not be fast enough for tasks like video rendering, graphics editing, or gaming. This is particularly true if several clients are doing very intensive tasks at once, which can affect the server and slow other clients down.