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Thin Client Glossary

Thin client (computing): A server-centric computing model in which the application software, data, and CPU power resides on a network server rather than on the client computer

What is a Thin Client?

Thin Clients are computer terminals used in central server computing networks. Thin Client computing works like a modern-day version of mainframe computing using dumb terminals and central servers for data storage. Thin Clients are powerful enough to run modern web, Windows and Linux and .Net software. They are equipped with the familiar graphical interface and mouse that PC users have become comfortable using, and are also capable of handling a variety of terminal emulations.

How do Thin Clients run my applications?

All software applications and data are retrieved from the cental server, and all data entered with keystrokes and mouse clicks is saved on the same central server. All data and software accessed in a thin client network will look and feel the same for any user on the network, which makes it easier for users to work in multiple locations. Thin Clients only need to run the operating system software locally, and have no hard drives or floppy drives. Thin client computing permits local printing, audio and serial device support, and thin client terminals are available in basic, robust or flexible styles for web browsing or even combined local and network computing.

Data is More Secure and Readily Accessible

Since there is no hard drive or floppy drive, thin clients are protected from the use of unauthorized software or the introduction of viruses. Data cannot be copied to a disk or saved to any other location than the central server. All software maintenance, upgrades and virus protection is performed on the server, which makes it a lot easier for IT managers to keep networks running smoothly and efficiently, performing tasks remotely rather than multiple times at multiple workstations.

Less downtime and greater efficiency

In the event of a disaster, recovery is much more immediate, because data backups are handled on the server, and if a thin client terminal is damaged or destroyed, a new one can be installed with ease – automatically configuring itself without the need for IT assistance.

More Economical

Thin Clients costs less to purchase than PCs (especially when you consider our top quality remanufactured models), and since they have no moving parts, they usually have a longer lifespan. Reduced IT costs are part of the bargain when upgrades and backups can be handled by the central server. Recent studies have concluded that thin clients use much less electricity – about one-seventh that of a PC.

Vecmar Computer Solutions– Your thin client resource

You will find that thin clients from Vecmar Computer Solutions are the some of the most competitively priced in the industry. We maintain a large inventory of new and remanufactured thin clients from Dell Wyse and HP and plan to expand our line to other manufacturers in the future.

Vecmar Computer Solutions also provides remanufacturing services for your existing thin clients, which include a 3-year warranty and free technical support.

Vecmar Computer Solutions professionals can assist you with a wide variety of network integration services.

Whether you are deploying new network technology or re-deploying an existing network infrastructure, Vecmar Computer Solutions can help make your transition to thin clients as seamless as possible. Why not contact one of our account executives to discuss your specific needs? We are glad to help. Just call 800-457-8499 or email us.