Diskless workstations and thin clients are client computers that are connected to a networked server. The computer contains the minimum amount of hardware required for the user to interact with the system. The server does the "hard work," including booting, storing data, and performing calculations.
Alternatively referred to as a diskless node, dumb terminal, or dumb terminal, a diskless workstation is a networked computer that provides no local hard disk storage. These terminals have a monitor, motherboard,
Diskless Workstations
network card, keyboard, and mouse. This term can also be used to describe any computer that has a hard drive, but is booting and using applications from the network instead of from the local hard drive. This type of computer is often referred to as a hybrid computer or network computer.
The thin client was first used in the mid to late 1990s, but the term "thin client" was coined in 1993 by Tim Negris, a VP at Oracle Corporation. These very basic computers provide a graphical user interface and input and output for the user. Thin clients are not typical computers, but rather a terminal that relies on another computer (usually a server) to supply the operating system and
Dell Optiplex Fx170 Thin Client
software applications needed by the user. Multiple thin clients can be connected to one master system that run their own "instance" of an operating system and software. The picture is an example of a thin client from Dell. Unlike a diskless workstation, a thin client does very little processing and usually only runs a small client that handles the input and output and basic display.
- Who uses diskless workstations and thin clients
Diskless workstations and thin clients are often used by large organizations, such as governments, enterprises, and educational institutions. When deployed at the scale of hundreds or thousands, these machines are easier to support, because they share a single, centralized set of resources.
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