Thin Client Glossary

Application server: A server dedicated to running applications for thin clients.

Application Service Provider (ASP): A company that rents applications and powerful servers via thin clients. Organizations subscribe to the services of the ASP.

Client/server network: A network of computers where one or more computers (servers) store the resources accessed by users through other computers (clients).

Client: A device on a network used to access resources on a server. Also called a workstation, a desktop computer, a networked PC, or a terminal.

Desktop: Usually refers to the primary screen on a computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). It is a metaphorical office desk with file folders, a trashcan, and other graphics. It can also be a synonym for a client (desktop computer).

Desktop configuration: The appearance of the user interface the color of the background, the location of the icons as determined through preferences and desktop controls. On a client/server network, the server can send a different desktop configuration to a client depending on which user has logged in.

Dumb terminal: A text-based video display and keyboard used to access data and applications from a mainframe or host computer.

Ethernet: A network architecture standard defined by a physical network medium and its method of placing data. See IEEE 802.3.

Fat client: A client computer on a network designed to operate with or without access to the server. Internal memory and processing power are used to run applications, and to store information.

Floppy Disk Drive: An internal or external drive that reads data off of a floppy disk, a writeable and readable disk that can be removed from the drive.

Graphical User Interface (GUI): Displays designed with graphical elements, such as color and icons, to convey information to users.

Hard Disk: A magnetic disk used to store data. Most hard disks are permanently housed in hard drives, which read and write to the storage medium, although some hard disks are removable.

Local Area Network (LAN): A network within a limited geographical area. LAN can describe a network of computers in a classroom, a school wing, or even a school site.

Login: Identification through a username and password. A user will log on to a computer network with their username and password, and the network provides appropriate access to assigned resources.

Mainframe: A highly reliable, powerful host computer that can be accessed via terminals. Often used for mission critical services.

MB: Abbreviation for megabyte when used to measure memory.

Protocol: A formalized set of rules that computers use to communicate. The rules define procedures, conventions, and methods used to transmit data.

Server: A computer on a network used to store resources, run applications, host web pages, support printing, or provide any other services that can be centralized.

Server farm: Several servers connected together to provide services to the network and clients. Servers within a server farm can be configured to back one another up in case of failure and to balance the load of users to improve performance.

System: The whole operating system created by the parts software, servers, clients, network, etc.

Systems integrator: A company or individual who provides complete systems solutions. They evaluate needs, contact vendors and purchase equipment, install, test, and verify a computer system.

Thin client: A client device on a network designed to access a server for all of its functions.

User Interface (UI): Text, graphics, sound, or other conventions that allow humans to interact with machines.

Username: Unique or group identification for users on a network. Unique user names can be assigned to individuals to offer specialized services and single access to files. Group usernames can be assigned to provide shared access to services and files.

Value Added Reseller (VAR): A company that links component manufacturers and buyers. A VAR provides all of the components necessary for a complete system and also offers technical expertise and installation experience.

Wide Area Network (WAN): A network that spans a geographic area larger than a LAN or LANs connected together to form a WAN.

Workstation: A computer that may be a client on a network or a stand-alone computer.