Thin clients are a server-centric computing model where the application software, data, and processing power are located on a central server rather than individual client devices. Thin clients access these centralized resources over a network, requiring only basic functionality locally. This allows for easier management, higher security since data is not stored locally, and lower costs since the clients have fewer components and upgrades are server-based.

1. THIN CLIENT

2. Introduction to Thin Clients
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. A
computer terminal used in a central server computing
network analogous to and huge improvement upon
mainframe computing using dumb terminals. Thin client
applications and data storage run on the server behind
data center firewalls. Thin clients are powerful enough
to operate with web, Windows, UNIX, and Linux
applications.

3. How Thin Clients Run Applications
The data and software will look and feel the same
as on a PC 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, web browsing,
terminal emulation and can combine local
processing with network computing.

4. Data Security and Accessibility
Since there are no data drives, 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
much easier and cost-effective for IT managers to keep
networks running smoothly and efficiently by
performing tasks such as software installations and
upgrades remotely rather than having to visit each
end-user device.

5. Why Thin Clients?
Thin clients are a powerful solution for today's
healthcare, financial, education and other industries.
For highly standardized tasks and keeping up to date
with the latest software and virus protection, a thin
client network is not only economical but easier for IT
administrators to manage. Many Thin Client Central
customers are finding that making the transition from
older dumb terminals or desktop PCs to a thin client
network is easy, cost effective and secure.

6. Efficiency
Thin clients use software and data from network servers. Data from different workstations or different locations is
entered into or retrieved from a centralized database. There are no hard drives or floppy drives, so entered data can
only be saved to the central server. Upgrades can be performed remotely, so that the IT department does not need
to travel to various locations. Backup of important data only needs to be done on the central.
With no moving parts to break down, thin clients are likely to last longer than desktop PCs. Workstations are
standardized, using the same applications, with the same interface, making them easier for healthcare staff to use.
Thin clients are simple to install and set up and are always on, making important patient data immediately accessible
to an entire team of healthcare professionals.

7. Security
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. Centralized processing makes it
easy to manage and monitor system access and to
enforce security policies and procedures, so that
internal security risk is minimized.

8. Economy
Not only do thin clients cost less to purchase
than desktop PCs, but because they have fewer
moving parts, they usually have a longer useful
lifespan. Reduced IT costs are part of the bargain
when upgrades and backups are handled by a
central server. Your company may also benefit from
energy savings by switching to thin clients.