What Is a Thin Client?
A thin client is a computer terminal that relies on a server for its applications and data. The name comes from the English word "thin," which means small or minimal. A thin client needs only the basic network function to connect to a server and a graphical interface for user input and output. Most thin clients have no large local storage such as an HDD or SSD, and applications are not installed on the device.
The server runs the desktop environment or applications, and the terminal displays the results. Data is processed on the server side, so the terminal shows the output of that processing. This structure is the basis of the thin client system architecture.
Key Characteristics
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Minimal local software: Applications and data stay on the server.
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Limited local storage: Thin clients rely on flash memory such as eMMC rather than large drives.
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Network dependence: The terminal must connect to the server to operate.
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Centralized management: Updates and administration are handled on the server.
Thin Client Compared With a Full PC
| Feature | Thin Client | Full PC |
|---|---|---|
| Applications | Run on the server | Installed locally |
| Data storage | Mainly on the server | Mainly on the local drive |
| Local hardware | Basic | Full-featured |
| Management | Centralized | Per device |
Typical Uses
Thin clients are used in offices, call centers, schools, retail point-of-sale, and kiosks. They are also used in environments where data must stay on a central server.
Thinvent Products
The Thinvent range includes the Micro 5R Thin Client, an ARM Cortex A53 device with 2GB onboard RAM, 16GB eMMC storage, WiFi 6, Bluetooth, and Thinux embedded Linux. The Micro 5R includes an HDMI 2.0 port and a speaker out. The Thinvent range does not include a dedicated thin client based on Intel or AMD processors; the Intel and AMD models in the range are Industrial PCs, Aero Mini PCs and Treo Mini PCs.
