Affordable Linux-Based Thin Client
Every few years or so, industry pundits proclaim that we’ll soon return to the computing paradigm of the 1970s, using much simpler devices
to access applications sitting on a remote master machine.
A thin client like the Neoware Capio 500 is generally less expensive than the average PC and is much easier to set up, use, and manage.
Available for $390 (street), the Capio 500 does not run software applications on its own but connects you to a server. You then use
applications stored and operated on that server.
The Capio 500 uses Neoware’s specialized Linux OS, NeoLinux. NeoLinux exists merely to boot the Capio 500 and to run a utility called
ezConnect. Through ezConnect, IT managers can configure the unit’s network connection settings, and end users can subsequently connect
to a remote server.
The unit lets you run Windows applications from servers loaded with MetaFrame, from Citrix Systems (www.citrix.com), or Terminal Services,
from Microsoft (www.microsoft.com), but you can also tap into Unix servers via VT terminal emulation. In testing the Capio 500, we
connected to a machine running Windows 2000 Advanced Server, which always includes Terminal Services, and although configuring the
machine is fairly easy, we did encounter a slight hitch.
After we booted the machine for the first time and typed in the appropriate IP and gateway addresses, the unit took almost 15 minutes to
reboot. Once the system was up and running, though, it worked well. We pulled down an image of a Windows desktop complete with a wide
range of applications and used that desktop as if it emanated from a local PC.
Unlike Neoware’s Eon line of high-end thin clients, the Capio 500 is a closer to the dumb terminals of yore, relying on a server for nearly all
computing tasks. But it does include the I/O ports (serial, parallel, USB, audio) common to PCs, in case you need to attach peripherals.
ezRemote Manager comes bundled with the unit; it lets IT managers control and upgrade all client machines from a single central location,
saving you time and money
for more information click on http://www.thinclientworld.blogspot.com/
Add comment October 25, 2006
Thin Client for the Small Office
Microsoft designed Windows XP so that only one user at a time could access a given PC, either via the local desktop or a remote Terminal Services client. But the OS and today’s hardware can easily accommodate more concurrent users, especially for typical office chores. Enter WinConnect Server XP, a program that lets three remote users log onto a Windows XP system while someone is using the host machine locally.
ThinSoft recommends at least a 1-GHz CPU and 256MB of RAM to support one remote user and one local user. Each additional remote user calls for an extra 100 MHz of CPU speed and 64MB of memory. So, for example, a 2.4-GHz, 512MB system can support at least four concur- rent users.
* More Networking!
WinConnect exploits Windows XP’s built-in Terminal Services based on Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 5.1. All of the application logic runs on the host machine; the client machine simply processes display updates and relays the user input to the host.
Small offices can run critical business applications on a WinConnect-equipped PC as the server and send them to remote desktops. Linux shops that need to run Windows programs occasionally can set up a Windows XP machine and have users access it via the WinConnect RDP 5.1 client for Linux ($99). And home users can unlock the shackles of a Smart Display device, which disables the local desktop when the mobile display is in use. With WinConnect, you can have multiple Smart Display devices accessing an XP machine without locking out local access to the system.
On our tests (using a 1-GHz Pentium III system with 512MB of memory as the host), we could not detect any sluggishness in True Color mode when running business applications remotely over a 10-Mbps network. WinConnect Server XP makes thin-client computing a viable option for small offices on a budget.
for more information click on http://www.thinclientworld.blogspot.com/
Add comment October 25, 2006
Microsoft Releases New OS for Old PCs
Software is designed to extend the life of aging systems by turning them into thin clients.
Microsoft released a new version of its operating system for businesses this week that extends the life of older PCs by effectively turning them into thin-client computers.
Called Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs, the software is offered only to customers on Microsoft’s Software Assurance licensing and maintenance program. It’s not a full-featured OS, but it improves the security and manageability of PCs for customers with systems that are too old for Windows XP and who aren’t ready yet to upgrade their hardware, Microsoft said.
The company first discussed the software last September as one of a series of perks intended to improve the value of Software Assurance, which had been criticized by some customers. Fundamentals for Legacy PCs was originally targeted for release last month.
Local Apps vs. Hosted Apps
The OS can run only a few programs locally, such as security tools, management tools, and document viewers, which means line-of-business and productivity applications will need to be run remotely on a server.
The trade-off is that the older PCs will be able to run the latest security and management tools, and the end user experience should be similar to that with Windows XP, according to Microsoft, making help desk calls easier to deal with. Customers will also have a fully-supported OS.
Among the other sweeteners offered to Software Assurance customers was exclusive access to a new, enterprise edition of Windows Vista due out in November. The OS is expected to include a hardware-based encryption system to protect data if a laptop is lost or stolen, among other benefits.
It also allows customers to run four versions of the enterprise OS on one PC using virtualization software. In line with that, Microsoft announced this week that Virtual PC 2007 for Windows Vista PCs, as well as the current Virtual PC 2004 SP product, are now available to customers for free.
for more information click on http://www.thinclientworld.blogspot.com/
Add comment October 25, 2006
Thin Client for the Small Office
Microsoft designed Windows XP so that only one user at a time could access a given PC, either via the local desktop or a remote Terminal Services client. But the OS and today’s hardware can easily accommodate more concurrent users, especially for typical office chores. Enter WinConnect Server XP, a program that lets three remote users log onto a Windows XP system while someone is using the host machine locally.
ThinSoft recommends at least a 1-GHz CPU and 256MB of RAM to support one remote user and one local user. Each additional remote user calls for an extra 100 MHz of CPU speed and 64MB of memory. So, for example, a 2.4-GHz, 512MB system can support at least four concur- rent users.
* More Networking!
WinConnect exploits Windows XP’s built-in Terminal Services based on Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 5.1. All of the application logic runs on the host machine; the client machine simply processes display updates and relays the user input to the host.
Small offices can run critical business applications on a WinConnect-equipped PC as the server and send them to remote desktops. Linux shops that need to run Windows programs occasionally can set up a Windows XP machine and have users access it via the WinConnect RDP 5.1 client for Linux ($99). And home users can unlock the shackles of a Smart Display device, which disables the local desktop when the mobile display is in use. With WinConnect, you can have multiple Smart Display devices accessing an XP machine without locking out local access to the system.
On our tests (using a 1-GHz Pentium III system with 512MB of memory as the host), we could not detect any sluggishness in True Color mode when running business applications remotely over a 10-Mbps network. WinConnect Server XP makes thin-client computing a viable option for small offices on a budget.
for more information click on http://www.thinclientworld.blogspot.com/
Add comment October 25, 2006
Affordable Linux-Based Thin Client
Every few years or so, industry pundits proclaim that we’ll soon return to the computing paradigm of the 1970s, using much simpler devices
to access applications sitting on a remote master machine.
A thin client like the Neoware Capio 500 is generally less expensive than the average PC and is much easier to set up, use, and manage.
Available for $390 (street), the Capio 500 does not run software applications on its own but connects you to a server. You then use
applications stored and operated on that server.
The Capio 500 uses Neoware’s specialized Linux OS, NeoLinux. NeoLinux exists merely to boot the Capio 500 and to run a utility called
ezConnect. Through ezConnect, IT managers can configure the unit’s network connection settings, and end users can subsequently connect
to a remote server.
The unit lets you run Windows applications from servers loaded with MetaFrame, from Citrix Systems (www.citrix.com), or Terminal Services,
from Microsoft (www.microsoft.com), but you can also tap into Unix servers via VT terminal emulation. In testing the Capio 500, we
connected to a machine running Windows 2000 Advanced Server, which always includes Terminal Services, and although configuring the
machine is fairly easy, we did encounter a slight hitch.
After we booted the machine for the first time and typed in the appropriate IP and gateway addresses, the unit took almost 15 minutes to
reboot. Once the system was up and running, though, it worked well. We pulled down an image of a Windows desktop complete with a wide
range of applications and used that desktop as if it emanated from a local PC.
Unlike Neoware’s Eon line of high-end thin clients, the Capio 500 is a closer to the dumb terminals of yore, relying on a server for nearly all
computing tasks. But it does include the I/O ports (serial, parallel, USB, audio) common to PCs, in case you need to attach peripherals.
ezRemote Manager comes bundled with the unit; it lets IT managers control and upgrade all client machines from a single central location,
saving you time and money
for more information click on http://www.thinclientworld.blogspot.com/
Add comment October 25, 2006
The Thin-Client Alternative
As an alternative to managed desktops, you may want to consider a server-based computing solution using thin-client appliances. A thin client is basically a terminal with a dedicated processor that uses various networking protocols to access and run apps that reside on a server instead of a local drive. The CPU directs the flow of data between the appliance and the server.
Thin clients typically don’t include hard drives, optical drives, or expansion slots. This makes them easy to deploy in large numbers, as there are no drive images or data-migration issues to deal with—and they take up little space on desktops.
Thin clients also remove the potential for problems caused by end users, such as the introduction of malware and unauthorized apps. Users could still download apps from the Web, but the IT staff controls the server and can blacklist certain sites or block the browser from downloading any file.
Thin clients are useful for companies where more than one employee uses the same system or that have roaming staff who need fast access to business apps and data. The user interface and programs a worker sees after logging in can be tailored to any criteria IT customizes into the system.
A typical thin client includes a low-voltage processor such as a Transmeta Crusoe (though it can be as high-performing as a Pentium 4), an embedded Microsoft Windows or Linux OS, and a mix of SDRAM and flash memory. Network hardware includes Fast or Gigabit Ethernet and even an 802.11 wireless controller. Some thin clients are standalone systems; others are all-in-one systems integrated into the display. Thin-client notebooks and tablet PCs enable wireless access to server-based apps.
Thin clients use specialized software and protocols to communicate with host servers. Products such as Citrix MetaFrame use ICA (Independent Computing Architecture); Tarantella’s Secure Global Desktop uses Microsoft’s RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) to manage the client-server architecture. Wyse Technology offers a variety of configurations, including small-footprint, solid-state terminals and integrated all-in-one clients. Dell, HP, Maxspeed, and Sun also offer desktop and portable thin-client systems.
Moving to a centralized computing solution using thin clients has many advantages, including lower maintenance and upgrade costs and a more secure, controlled environment. IT staff can better define how data moves through your network and where it is stored. And software upgrades and installations are performed at the server level.
Businesses contemplating a thin-client solution must have the infrastructure in place to handle the load of server-based computing, including dedicated app servers, backup servers, and enough network bandwidth to support hundreds of users. Since it takes fewer resources to support a large number of thin clients, IT staff can concentrate on the infrastructure instead of responding to numerous end-user service calls.
for more information click on http://www.thinclientworld.blogspot.com/
Add comment October 25, 2006
Thin-Client Technology
Turning PCs into not-so-dumb terminals may be one of the smartest moves you can make when it comes to planning for disaster recovery. There are
many advantages to this type of environment, known as thin-client or server-based computing, including lower hardware costs and easier client
management. And its built-in facility for disaster recovery can make it an invaluable tool for minimizing employee downtime when your network and its
PCs and workstations become unavailable.
With a thin-client system, the client sends keystrokes and mouse movements to the server over the network or dial-up connection, and the server
sends back changes in the display. Any PC can be a client, but because very little processing is performed at the desktop, businesses can also use
low-cost terminals that have no moving parts (no hard drive) and a generally small amount of memory (RAM).
Since each client is just a terminal, all data and settings—and even the applications—are on the server. To back up everything for all the users, you
need only back up the server. And for disaster recovery, backups are easier and more centralized, making it easier to take your backups off-site.
Imagine a worst-case systems disaster in which your clients and servers are lost. You must restore your backups on other servers. Ideally, you
should move to a mirrored server setup in which you can use the same server and domain names; in this case, your clients should be able to connect
and continue as if nothing had happened. Not many companies want to maintain an expensive set of parallel servers. If you have to restore your
backups to a different server configuration, you may need to write some new log-on scripts, but because all the computing is server-based, you
should be able to make the changes easily.
The two leading thin-client platforms are Citrix MetaFrame (MetaFrame/Workgroups 1.8 for Windows 2000 Server, for 5 users, $2,000 street; for 15
users, $5,000; www.citrix.com) and Microsoft Windows Terminal Server (Windows 2000 Terminal Services, for 5 users, $750; for 20 users, $2,670;
Terminal Services Internet Connector License, for 200 concurrent users, $10,000; www.microsoft.com). MetaFrame makes disaster recovery easier
by letting you join multiple servers—even geographically dispersed servers—into a server farm. If some servers go off-line, the others pick up the
load, thus providing load balancing and server redundancy. Of course, when the fallback servers are connected across a slow connection, this
configuration won’t suffice.
Since client machines are not doing any processing, disaster recovery for them is easy. You can install the client software on any PC, even one that
is underpowered by modern standards, and it will be an acceptable thin client. If you run a Windows PC thin client, such as one of the many different
models available from Wyse, setup doesn’t even require configuring Windows, although you must provide the server’s IP address. Many products have
management software (such as Wyse Rapport, custom pricing, www.wyse.com) that automates the configuration of these devices.
We tested thin-client devices from several vendors in our April 4, 2000, story “Thin is Back,” and we especially liked the IBM Network Station 2200
and 2800 ($630 and $820 street, respectively; www.pc.ibm.com/nc), the Neoware NeoStation 2300 and 3000C ($540 and $400 respectively;
www.neoware.com), the Sun Ray 1 ($400, www.sun.com), and the Wyse Winterm 3360SE ($850). The Neoware and Sun products both received our
Editors’ Choice for that story.
Another highlight of thin-client computing is that it is designed for remote-access workers, making it ideal for disaster recovery. If your company’s
employees need to work remotely for a period of time (either from some other office or even from home), they can do so easily and seamlessly with
thin-client systems. You don’t even need to install client software on their systems; you can set up a Web page using an ActiveX control or
Netscape plug-in that connects to the server, which will require some programming with Terminal Server. Fortunately, Citrix NFuse (free download,
www.citrix.com) easily creates application links inside Web pages. Deploying these remote or Web-based applications, however, does have some
caveats. You will have to wager flexibility, remote access, and recovery capabilities against security.
There are applications that don’t work well in a typical thin-client environment, but they are usually apps that aren’t critical to business, such as
streaming video and games. In general, you should avoid applications that require intensive screen operations, such as Adobe Photoshop. Also,
applications that are very memory- and computing-intensive tend to slow down unacceptably, because they are sharing a CPU and memory with
other applications on the server. If these types of applications are used heavily in your organization, you should really consider having backup
workstations available.
Even when your users normally run Windows on fat clients, you can still use thin-client systems for disaster recovery. As long as you keep your
standard applications installed and make sure that they are configured correctly for a thin-client scenario, you can switch over to a thin client in a
disaster. Such a plan requires that your users store all data on the server in standard, accessible locations, instead of on their local hard drives, so
you can quickly configure applications to find their data.
Market share in the thin-client platform arena continues to be dominated by Citrix and Microsoft—a combined 90 percent share—especially among
Microsoft Windows NT and 2000 environments. Though MetaFrame is available for Unix platforms, third-party products are often used to support and
run them in a mixed environment.
There are other platforms and vendors to consider. For example, Tarantella Enterprise 3 ($14,950 list for 50 users, $5,000 additional for the security
package; www.tarantella.com) comes from a small company that split off from SCO and has received accolades for creating products that run in a
mixed-platform environment without additional product support.
The X Window System (often abbreviated as X), a client/server windowing system developed at MIT, is not usually considered a practical
remote-access method in office environments, because unlike RDP and ICA (the Microsoft and Citrix protocols, respectively), X is not optimized for
low-bandwidth connections. But in an emergency or for system administration tasks, X could be useful as a short-term solution.
Moving your applications from standard Windows or Unix platforms to Web hosting with a browser front end makes your clients truly thin and
portable. Users can access them from anywhere they have an Internet connection. But the limitations of this approach are profound. First,
development of these applications requires substantial custom design. Second, workers today demand the power and responsiveness of real user
interfaces, like those of Microsoft Office applications. Most likely, anything you build into a Web interface won’t satisfy them. RDP and ICA clients
can, however, connect to any server on the Internet and be accessible from anywhere.
Very few disaster recovery strategies flow so clearly from other legitimate administrative goals as does thin-client computing. With your disaster
recovery strategy, you also get better security and easier support and administration, provided that you host your servers on your own
infrastructure. Thin-client computing requires active and expert administration, but few approaches allow your organization to return to a rich
computing experience so quickly
for more information click on http://www.thinclientworld.blogspot.com/
Add comment October 25, 2006
The Thin-Client Alternative
As an alternative to managed desktops, you may want to consider a server-based computing solution using thin-client appliances. A thin client is basically a terminal with a dedicated processor that uses various networking protocols to access and run apps that reside on a server instead of a local drive. The CPU directs the flow of data between the appliance and the server.
Thin clients typically don’t include hard drives, optical drives, or expansion slots. This makes them easy to deploy in large numbers, as there are no drive images or data-migration issues to deal with—and they take up little space on desktops.
Thin clients also remove the potential for problems caused by end users, such as the introduction of malware and unauthorized apps. Users could still download apps from the Web, but the IT staff controls the server and can blacklist certain sites or block the browser from downloading any file.
Thin clients are useful for companies where more than one employee uses the same system or that have roaming staff who need fast access to business apps and data. The user interface and programs a worker sees after logging in can be tailored to any criteria IT customizes into the system.
A typical thin client includes a low-voltage processor such as a Transmeta Crusoe (though it can be as high-performing as a Pentium 4), an embedded Microsoft Windows or Linux OS, and a mix of SDRAM and flash memory. Network hardware includes Fast or Gigabit Ethernet and even an 802.11 wireless controller. Some thin clients are standalone systems; others are all-in-one systems integrated into the display. Thin-client notebooks and tablet PCs enable wireless access to server-based apps.
Thin clients use specialized software and protocols to communicate with host servers. Products such as Citrix MetaFrame use ICA (Independent Computing Architecture); Tarantella’s Secure Global Desktop uses Microsoft’s RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) to manage the client-server architecture. Wyse Technology offers a variety of configurations, including small-footprint, solid-state terminals and integrated all-in-one clients. Dell, HP, Maxspeed, and Sun also offer desktop and portable thin-client systems.
Moving to a centralized computing solution using thin clients has many advantages, including lower maintenance and upgrade costs and a more secure, controlled environment. IT staff can better define how data moves through your network and where it is stored. And software upgrades and installations are performed at the server level.
Businesses contemplating a thin-client solution must have the infrastructure in place to handle the load of server-based computing, including dedicated app servers, backup servers, and enough network bandwidth to support hundreds of users. Since it takes fewer resources to support a large number of thin clients, IT staff can concentrate on the infrastructure instead of responding to numerous end-user service calls.
for more information click on http://www.thinclientworld.blogspot.com/
Add comment October 25, 2006
Low cost PC & As PC prices fall you may be wondering why you should purchase a thin client at all, even if it is below $500
As the thin client industry continues to mature, manufacturers need to retain an edge to compete. PC prices are lower than ever, and new device manufacturers continue to enter the market with lower prices — pushing existing companies to follow suit. Several Thin Planet partners manufacture thin client devices, including:
1. A Thin Client Company, Inc
2. BlueShark Technologies
3. BOSaNOVA
4. Computer Lab International
5. Esprit Systems
6. HCL Peripherals
7. IGEL Technology
8. Maxspeed
9. Neoware Systems
10. NLynx Technologies, Inc.
11. Unisys
12. VECMAR Computer Solutions
13. VXL Instruments
14. Wyse Technology
Why Buy a Thin Client?
. What is important to understand is that the benefits and cost savings associated with thin client and server-based computing are maximized when you use thin client devices on the desktop. By eliminating the moving parts (disk drives), local applications and fat operating systems, desktop management and maintenance becomes centralized and simplified.
If you have already bought into the concept of thin client and server-based computing then these cost savings are obvious. However, if you have not, then we recommend that you read how Federal Express and others have implemented the technology.
There are many desktop thin client devices listed on Thin Planet, most with suggested retail prices above $500. One of the advantages of Thin Clients is that their life expectancy is much longer than the average PC. For this reason, we recommend that you explore the more expensive models in addition to these sub $500 devices to ensure that you select a device that will continue to meet your needs.
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IGEL Technology |
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Esprit Systems |
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Esprit Systems |
Add comment October 20, 2006
As the thin client industry continues to mature, manufacturers need to retain an edge to compete. PC prices are lower than ever, and new device manufacturers continue to enter the market with lower prices — pushing existing companies to follow suit. Several Thin Planet partners manufacture thin client devices, including:
1. A Thin Client Company, Inc
2. BlueShark Technologies
3. BOSaNOVA
4. Computer Lab International
5. Esprit Systems
6. HCL Peripherals
7. IGEL Technology
8. Maxspeed
9. Neoware Systems
10. NLynx Technologies, Inc.
11. Unisys
12. VECMAR Computer Solutions
13. VXL Instruments
14. Wyse Technology
Why Buy a Thin Client?
As PC prices fall you may be wondering why you should purchase a thin client at all, even if it is below $500. What is important to understand is that the benefits and cost savings associated with thin client and server-based computing are maximized when you use thin client devices on the desktop. By eliminating the moving parts (disk drives), local applications and fat operating systems, desktop management and maintenance becomes centralized and simplified.
If you have already bought into the concept of thin client and server-based computing then these cost savings are obvious. However, if you have not, then we recommend that you read how Federal Express and others have implemented the technology.
There are many desktop thin client devices listed on Thin Planet, most with suggested retail prices above $500. One of the advantages of Thin Clients is that their life expectancy is much longer than the average PC. For this reason, we recommend that you explore the more expensive models in addition to these sub $500 devices to ensure that you select a device that will continue to meet your needs.
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IGEL Technology |
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Esprit Systems |
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Esprit Systems |
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Add comment October 20, 2006
