A thin client is a device for the input and display of information (terminal). Physically, a thin client is a compact and silent computer without a hard drive (and without fans), the main operating system of which is loaded on the server. All user applications run on a terminal server (application server), but this is completely transparent to the user. Since the entire computational load falls on the server, the thin client has a minimal hardware configuration without any performance degradation.
What are thin clients used for?
Thin clients are used in organizations where most users use computers to perform the same type of tasks: working with databases, information catalogues (shops, pharmacies, libraries), working as bank terminals, etc.
What operating system is on the terminal?
The terminal operating system is "hardwired" into a small disk-on-module device (64MB-1GB flash memory). It provides the basic functionality of the client: boot, correct operation of the video adapter, audio, and operation of peripheral devices connected directly to the terminal client (mouse, keyboard, local printers, USB flash drives). Also, the operating system of a thin client may contain an Internet browser that can work autonomously (without a terminal server). When switching to terminal mode, the client starts working with the server operating system, an individual session of which is launched on the terminal server. From this point on, the terminal becomes just a means of displaying and entering information.
What software licenses are needed?
To organize the operation of a group of terminals with Microsoft software, in general, you will need the following licenses:
Licenses for the embedded OS on terminals (Win CE 5.0 or Win XP Embedded), server OS license (Windows Server 2008), client access licenses (Windows Server CAL 2008) - the required number of licenses is equal to the number of terminals, terminal access licenses (Windows Trmnl Svcs CAL 2008) - the required number of licenses is equal to the number of terminals or users. Licensing of application programs, as a rule, is carried out according to the principle of how many users (terminals), and so many licenses.
Benefits of using thin clients instead of conventional PCs:
1. Reduced initial acquisition costs due to minimal configuration requirements.
2. Significant reduction in power consumption - a typical thin client has a power consumption of only 10w (versus 250-350w for a pc)
3. Unification - all clients have the same set of software.
4. Ease of implementation of tasks - there is no need to configure each computer individually, as clients are centrally managed. The system administrator performs all settings for managing thin clients centrally on the server.
5. Saving time for a system administrator who maintains the same computers, the probability of breakdowns of which is minimized, and all programs are installed on the server.
6. Scalability - a system image created once for the operation of the entire group of users allows you to maintain an easily scalable network. You can install as many pcs as you need while adding new seats requires minimal effort.
7. Security and resiliency. When loading, the terminal receives an operating system "from the manufacturer", which is configured only by the information support department. All user information is stored on the server on a raid array and is regularly backed up, which increases fault tolerance.
8. Information leakage protection - no local media - no possibility to make copies of documents on removable media (unless otherwise allowed by the system administrator