thin client (TC)
Clients are classified according to their functionality. In terms of the division of tasks, a distinction is made in the client- server concepts between thin clients or lean clients, fat clients and rich clients, which are also referred to as smart clients.
The concept of thin clients
Thin clients( TC) are network computers( NC) that conform to specific hardware guidelines. Thin client equipment guidelines have been specified by several hardware manufacturers and include screen resolution of at least 640 x 480 pixels, a keyboard, a computer mouse, and sound capability. Hard disks are not required but are not explicitly excluded either. The operating system and application software are located on central servers from which program updates and system administration also take place. Thus the system reliability is better and the maintenance costs are lower. In addition, the possibility of catching viruses is relatively low.
In order to be able to classify the efficiency of Thin Clients better, one classified these into several categories. A distinction is made between thin client, mobile client, hybrid client and complex hybrid client.
A pure thin client is a Windows terminal designed for server-based computing or remote applications. Such a terminal is usually used stationary and is suitable for stationary office workers and teleworkers. To access the terminal server, the thin client must have the appropriate access protocols installed, such as Remote Desktop Protocol( RDP) or Adaptive Internet Protocol( AIP), and the components must support X11 or terminal emulation. The remote access parameters are protected either in the Windows Terminal Server(WTS) or in the remote access device and by passwords.
The mobile thin client
The mobile client in the form of a notebook is ideal for managers and travelers, as the user can access corporate resources and work locally. The user accesses the corporate server via a Virtual Private Network( VPN).
The simple hybrid client describes a managed personal computer( PC) whose applications are handled by the corporate server and where some specific applications must be run locally. The complex hybrid client is similar to the simple hybrid client with the difference that it runs several applications locally and has its own local peripherals.