The document evaluates the viability of thin clients as replacements for desktop PCs, highlighting various types including true, hybrid, and ultra thin clients. It details their advantages such as improved security, reduced power consumption, and lower costs, while comparing their performance in office tasks, video playback, and casual gaming against traditional desktop PCs. The conclusion suggests that while PCs are still preferable for home users, thin clients like Safedesk and Sun Ray 2 may be suitable for inexperienced users, businesses, and potentially schools.

1. Thin Clients
A viable replacement for
Desktop PCs?

2. What is a thin client
 True Thin Client
 Hybrid (lean) Client
 Ultra Thin Client
 Managed PC
 Legacy Thin Client
 Zero Clients

3. Initial Advantages
 Better Security
 Lower Power consumption
 Greater Productivity
 Cheaper
 Quieter and Cooler
 Less maintenance
 Less desirable for theft
 Longer Life span

4. Suppliers
 Wyse
 HP
 IGEL
 ThinSpace
 VXL
 Sun Microsystems
 SafeDesk
 N-computing
 Recycling Legacy PCs

5. Operating Systems/Platforms
 Windows CE
 Windows XPe
 Linux
 ThinOS
Virtualisation allows Running of
virtually any operating system
remotely on a server.

6. Sun Ray 2
 Ultra/True Thin Client
 4Watts
 Costs around £190
 Virtual Windows Desktop

7. SafeDesk MiniPC
 Managed PC / Lean Client
 ~20Watts
 Costs around £140
 Modified Ubuntu Desktop

8. Dell Optiplex
 Desktop PC (low range)
 ~80Watts (processor alone uses 65W)
 Costs around £250
 Windows XP Desktop

9. Overview of Tech Specs
Thin Client Managed Pc (Lean) Desktop Pc (Compact)
Hardware Specifications
Supplier Sun Microsystems SafeDesk Dell
Model Sunray 2 SafeDesk MiniPC Optiplex 755
Cost £192.39 £140 ~£250
CPU Frequency 500 MHz 1.6 GHz (HT) 2 x 1.8GHz
CPU Power 500mW 4W 65 W
Memory 0 MB 1024 MB 1024 MB
Unit Dimensions 28mm x 122mm x 205mm 65mm x 205mm x 210mm 90mm x 250 mm x 250mm

10. Performance In the Office
Thin Client Managed Pc (Lean) Desktop Pc (Compact)
Office Work Performance
Boot up time ~0.5 sec ~ 6-7 min ~ 35 sec
Login time ~ 4 sec ~ 45 sec ~ 5 sec
Load word processor ~ 2 sec ~ 5 sec ~ 1 sec
Load spread sheet ~ 2 sec ~ 3 sec ~ 3 sec
Typing lag None None None
Cell dragging lag Jittery Slow None

11. File Handling
Thin Client Managed Pc (Lean) Desktop Pc (Compact)
File Handling
Small file (44KB) ~ 0.5 sec ~ 6 sec ~ 0.5 sec
Large file (152MB) ~ 2.5 sec ~ 37 min ~ 5 sec
Several files (50 x 44KB) ~0.5 sec ~2mins ~ 0.5 sec
Many files (1000 x 44KB) ~4.5 sec ~35 min ~ 7.5 sec

12. Video Performance
Thin Client Managed Pc (Lean) Desktop Pc (Compact)
Streaming Video Performance
Loading YouTube video ~ 3 sec ~ 6 sec ~4 sec
HD playback stutters Unbearable A few None
Full screen iPlayer Unbearable Poor Good
Sports Play Back Mediocre Good Good
Comments Video loads quickly and Low resolution video play All video playback is excellent
plays at the correct back is fine with very and smooth. Stutters are
rate, but refreshes in few stutters. very rare.
dirty rectangles and is Struggles on higher
not at all watch able. resolution video,
stutters a lot.

13. Casual Gaming
Thin Client Managed Pc (Lean) Desktop Pc (Compact)
Casual Gaming Performance
Flash
Yeti Sports Flamingo 8/10 5/10 10/10
Yeti Sports Pingu Throw 8/10 7/10 10/10
Super Flash Sonic 3/10 4/10 10/10
Car Crushin’ 9/10 10/10 10/10
Magic Pen 2 8/10 10/10 10/10
Java
RuneScape 0/10 6/10 10/10
Scared 3d 1/10 9/10 10/10
Futuristic arenas 0/10 8/10 10/10

14. Network Usage

15. Conclusion
 PCs are still best for home users
 SafeDesk could become viable for
inexperienced users
 Sun Ray 2 is acceptable for business
use
 Safedesk or Sun Ray 2 could
potentially be used in schools