Thin client

In <a href="/facts/Computer_network/3w5RM99p">computer networking</a>, a thin client, sometimes called slim client or lean client, is a simple (low-<a href="/facts/Computer_performance/td1qKox4">performance</a>) <a href="/facts/Computer/SQe1aK05">computer</a> that has been <a href="/facts/Program_optimization/nXz6RpRM">optimized</a> for <a href="/facts/Remote_desktop/gJgglwht">establishing a remote connection</a> with a <a href="/facts/Server_(computing)/dEaYFD7r">server</a>-based computing environment. They are sometimes known as network computers, or in their simplest form as zero clients. The server does most of the work, which can include launching <a href="/facts/Software/RP79lVSW">software</a> programs, performing <a href="/facts/Calculation/MHq42Sjw">calculations</a>, and <a href="/facts/Data_storage/uCvJ6nrq">storing data</a>. This contrasts with a <a href="/facts/Rich_client/rwp4s2Aj">rich client</a> or a conventional <a href="/facts/Personal_computer/koaYfNce">personal computer</a>; the former is also intended for working in a <a href="/facts/Client%25E2%2580%2593server_model/FSnf27C5">client–server model</a> but has significant local processing power, while the latter aims to perform its function mostly locally. 
Thin clients occur as components of a broader computing infrastructure, where many clients share their computations with a server or <a href="/facts/Server_farm/EQRag1TE">server farm</a>. The server-side infrastructure uses <a href="/facts/Cloud_computing/guhg0FGV">cloud computing</a> software such as <a href="/facts/Application_virtualization/Wdgbbrun">application virtualization</a>, hosted shared desktop (HSD) or <a href="/facts/Desktop_virtualization/mCcGm6hL">desktop virtualization</a> (VDI). This combination forms what is known as a cloud-based system, where desktop resources are centralized at one or more <a href="/facts/Data_center/DS5wJY41">data centers</a>. The benefits of centralization are hardware resource optimization, reduced <a href="/facts/Software_maintenance/Uv39zQb0">software maintenance</a>, and improved <a href="/facts/Computer_security/7E5dIy7G">security</a>.

<ul><li>Example of hardware resource optimization: <a href="/facts/Structured_cabling/lvLAjzzP">Cabling</a>, <a href="/facts/Bus_(computing)/R45TKwS7">bussing</a> and <a href="/facts/I%2fO/WQTE8Jas">I/O</a> can be minimized while idle memory and processing power can be applied to user sessions that most need it.</li>
<li>Example of reduced software maintenance: <a href="/facts/Software_patching/sIHVBPls">Software patching</a> and <a href="/facts/Operating_system/8XTuvMh2">operating system</a> (OS) migrations can be applied, tested and activated for all users in one instance to accelerate roll-out and improve administrative efficiency.</li>
<li>Example of improved security: Software assets are centralized and easily <a href="/facts/Firewall_(computing)/Et2RkJaU">fire-walled</a>, monitored and protected. Sensitive data is uncompromised in cases of desktop loss or theft.</li></ul>
Thin client hardware generally supports common <a href="/facts/Peripheral/3lEBPE14">peripherals</a>, such as keyboards, mice, <a href="/facts/Computer_monitor/NRaTDFHc">monitors</a>, <a href="/facts/Phone_connector_(audio)/KvpIlV94">jacks</a> for sound peripherals, and open <a href="/facts/Computer_port_(hardware)/87F2NcNc">ports</a> for <a href="/facts/USB/XcIKWLyg">USB</a> devices (e.g., printer, flash drive, webcam). Some thin clients include (<a href="/facts/Legacy_port/sbgWseQ9">legacy</a>) <a href="/facts/Serial_port/VpcrH530">serial</a> or <a href="/facts/Parallel_port/qpkjH8ts">parallel ports</a> to support older devices, such as receipt printers, scales or time clocks. Thin client software typically consists of a <a href="/facts/Graphical_user_interface/wBlQFWDP">graphical user interface</a> (GUI), cloud access agents (e.g., <a href="/facts/Remote_Desktop_Protocol/A5e9ILdI">RDP</a>, <a href="/facts/Independent_Computing_Architecture/9XxRCe14">ICA</a>, <a href="/facts/PCoIP/vsuDhXFt">PCoIP</a>), a local <a href="/facts/Web_browser/2pfyymLs">web browser</a>, <a href="/facts/Terminal_emulator/yNfevBJd">terminal emulators</a> (in some cases), and a basic set of local <a href="/facts/Utility_software/Hn3XtISQ">utilities</a>.

Thin client open-in-new

Thin client