Editing Thin client (section)

{{short description|Non-powerful computer optimized for remote server access}}
{{refimprove|date=July 2008}}

[[Image:Thin clients.png|thumb|Thin clients connected to their server via a [[computer network]]]]
[[Image:PCExpanion.jpg|thumb|A public thin-client computer terminal inside a [[public library]]]]
[[Image:Hpt5700.jpg|thumb|right|An HP T5700 thin client, with flash memory]]

In [[computer network]]ing, a '''thin client,''' sometimes called '''slim client''' or '''lean client''', is a simple (low-[[Computer performance|performance]]) [[computer]] that has been [[Program optimization|optimized]] for [[Remote desktop|establishing a remote connection]] with a [[Server (computing)|server]]-based computing environment. They are sometimes known as ''network computers'', or in their simplest form as ''zero clients''. The server does most of the work, which can include launching [[software]] programs, performing [[calculation]]s, and [[Data storage|storing data]]. This contrasts with a [[rich 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.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Bengfort|last2=Jacquelyn|title=Thin vs. Thick vs. Zero Client: What's the Right Fit for Your Business?|url=https://biztechmagazine.com/article/2018/10/thin-vs-thick-vs-zero-client-whats-right-fit-your-business-perfcon|access-date=2021-10-10|website=Technology Solutions That Drive Business|language=en}}</ref> 

Thin clients occur as components of a broader computing infrastructure, where many clients share their computations with a server or [[server farm]]. The server-side infrastructure uses [[cloud computing]] software such as [[application virtualization]], hosted shared desktop (HSD) or [[desktop virtualization]] (VDI). This combination forms what is known as a cloud-based system, where desktop resources are centralized at one or more [[data center]]s. The benefits of centralization are hardware resource optimization, reduced [[software maintenance]], and improved [[Computer security|security]].

* Example of hardware resource optimization: [[Structured cabling|Cabling]], [[Bus (computing)|bussing]] and [[I/O]] can be minimized while idle memory and processing power can be applied to user sessions that most need it.
* Example of reduced software maintenance: [[Software patching]] and [[operating system]] (OS) migrations can be applied, tested and activated for all users in one instance to accelerate roll-out and improve administrative efficiency.
* Example of improved security: Software assets are centralized and easily [[Firewall (computing)|fire-walled]], monitored and protected. Sensitive data is uncompromised in cases of desktop loss or theft.

Thin client hardware generally supports common [[peripheral]]s, such as keyboards, mice, [[Computer monitor|monitor]]s, [[Phone connector (audio)|jack]]s for sound peripherals, and open [[Computer port (hardware)|port]]s for [[USB]] devices (e.g., printer, flash drive, webcam). Some thin clients include ([[Legacy port|legacy]]) [[Serial port|serial]] or [[parallel port]]s 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., [[Remote Desktop Protocol|RDP]], [[Independent Computing Architecture|ICA]], [[PCoIP]]), a local [[web browser]], [[terminal emulator]]s (in some cases), and a basic set of local [[Utility software|utilities]].