Welcome to Thinclient Computing! Contact [email protected] for any questions.

About Thin Client

Since 1999, Thinclient.org has been reporting the thin client computing market as well as the ChromeBook, Zero Client, Android clients, Pi Raspberry Clients and Thick Client market. Generally the cloud computing market since it started with companies such as Citrix back in the late 80s.

What is a thin client?

A thin client is a lightweight[vague] computer that has been optimized for establishing a remote connection with a server-based computing environment. The server does most of the work, which can include launching software programs, performing calculations, and storing data. This contrasts with a fat client or a conventional personal computer; the former is also intended for working in a client–server model but has significant local processing power, while the latter aims to perform its function mostly locally.

Thin client hardware generally supports a keyboard, mouse, monitor, jacks for sound peripherals, and open ports for USB devices (e.g., printer, flash drive, webcam). Some thin clients include legacy serial or parallel ports to support older devices such as receipt printers, scales or time clocks. Thin client software typically consists of a graphical user interface (GUI), cloud access agents (e.g., RDP, ICA, PCoIP), a local web browser, terminal emulators (in some cases), and a basic set of local utilities.

New hardware interfaces includes socket-based enabled devices eliminating the need for a physical USB connection. Bluetooth wireless connectivity is also a big factor for devices.

Thin Client Computers

  • Start with the usual suspects from Dell, HP, Wyse, 10Zig, IGEL, etc
  • Add in Chromebooks
  • Add in converted desktops running a remote desktop
  • You can add in smartphones
  • Hardware starts at $25 Pico ITX and Raspberry PI
  • You have Power Over Ethernet versions
  • Many of the conventional historical thin client computers have taken on so much of the functionality of a standard PC that they are almost a Thin Client in name only.  The price can be higher than a standard desktop.
  • We have AIO or All-In-One Computers – typically with touchscreens.

It’s a crazy world these days. — for more info we also maintain a running notepad for thin client computing – here is a sampling of news for Cloud Computing Thin Client