What Is a Zero Client?
In a world full of powerful electronic devices, especially personal computers, what is more convenient than getting hardware that cuts down space, costs, and security breaches altogether? Well, if that’s your requirement, Zero Client is the optimal solution. Simply put, a zero client (also known as ‘ultra thin client’) is a fan-less, lightweight computer that doesn’t contain any hard drive. For computing, it connects a server and accesses endpoint hard drives by running RDPs (Remote Desktop Protocol). RDPs allow this system to use a virtualized desktop and application that can be delivered according to on-demand services.
There are many differences between a traditional Thin Client and Zero Client . Some of these are as follows:
· Connection: thin clients contain multiple VDI connection brokers, while zero clients run only with one or two connection types.
· Task Capacity: thin Clients are known for flexibility since they offer simple advanced applications, while zero clients only provide the applications over desktop servers.
Benefits of Replacing Thin Client PC with Zero Clients in the Office
But hey, if a thin client is so good, why go for a zero client? I’ll tell you why:
· Easy to Configure: Zero clients are very easy to configure, manage, and deploy. Not only do they boot in less than 20 seconds, but they also keep the last states saved.
· Minimal Maintenance: These systems require minimum maintenance since firmware patches, and upgrades are usually infrequent.
· Security and Compliance: Above all, since every function is carried out over a server, no data is stored on a zero client. Besides, the images and other documents it received are encrypted, so there is no risk of tampering or theft.
How to Use Zero Client
When it comes down to using a zero client, there are multiple ways, but the most common ones are Shared Computing (RDS) and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). Both frameworks offer various benefits, they are designed for different scenarios. Some other differences are as follows:
1. Resource Distribution: In RDS, users can share resources that may lead to performance issues, whereas VDI allows dedicated resources for each user according to their requirements.
2. Maintenance: RDS is perfect for simple deployments such as managing software and configuring desktops. VDI, however, is more suitable for highly skilled staff who require a specific type of deployment or maintenance.
3. Personalization: VDIs offer dedicated virtual machines with operating systems on which users can install/uninstall applications with some administration rights within the VM. In the case of RDS, though, multiple people use the same desktop and cannot have admin access.
Final Words:
People usually mix up ‘zero clients’ with ‘thin clients’ which isn’t correct. As this blog explains, they hold a different connection, configuration, and task capacities. As the world is revolutionizing, you need to upgrade along – and for that, change is necessary.
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