A thin client, or lean client, is a type of computer that relies entirely on its network connection to accomplish tasks. A typical laptop or desktop PC—otherwise known as a fat client—has the memory, storage, and computing power to run applications and perform computing tasks on its own. A thin client, on the other hand, functions like a tv; it only needs to draw the screen and render the sound. The actual computing power residing on a networked host ( or server ). The hosts may be on-site or in the cloud. A thin client acts like an interface and the network server computer does 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 type of setup is commonly used in places with lots of people simultaneously using computers, like businesses or schools. Thin clients do far less work than regular PCs, and therefore, they need fewer resources. A thin client will not have a high-end graphics card, for example, or an expensive hard drive for storage. It will also have less memory than a PC. Each of these components comes with considerable cost. Though it is easier to maintain than a traditional workstation, it also has some downsides, including the lack of peripherals.
A thin client can be used to connect to another pc or virtualized pcs. Scalability comes when using thin clients Within a virtualized desktop setup, where one where each user has a remote desktop, each individual desktop exists within a virtual machine, which is simply a partition inside a centralized server. Each of these users has their own applications and operating system, similar to when they use a normal PC. One example is When terminal services are shared; the users at the various thin client stations can use the same operating system and applications because they are run from a central server. Users are limited with what they can do because all activity has to be approved by the IT department. This can benefit the organization, as user activity can be limited to the use of specific applications.
Remote desktop software can use several different protocols, including Microsoft RDP, Citrix ICA, VNC, and VMware Blast. Remote desktop gives users the ability to use a desktop computer or virtual machine from a separate computer. Remote desktop users can access their desktop, open and edit files, and use applications as if they were actually sitting at their desktop computer. Employees can use remote desktop software to access their work computers when they are working from home. Think of a remote-controlled car. The user can control the car from afar, and their commands are transmitted to the vehicle. Using RDP is similar; the user’s mouse movements and keystrokes are sent to their desktop computer over the Internet instead of over radio waves. The user’s desktop is displayed on the computer they are connecting from, just as if they were sitting in front of it.