Network Computer

A network computer or network computer, or NC is a computer that is to replace with minimal equipment to hardware specific functions of a personal computer.

In the period from 1995 to 1997, it was expected that such so-called thin clients to replace the use of conventional PCs ( fat clients). However, the idea of ​​network computing could not prevail until now.

The aim of the development of these devices was to minimize the cost of the acquisition and operation of personal computers in large companies (English Total Cost of Ownership ( TCO) ). These NCs have no internal hard disks, floppy disks or CD -ROM drives, which is why such devices are characterized by low power consumption, small power supplies, low heat dissipation and thus even small housing.

Since the NC operating system, configuration, applications and user files relates exclusively over the network, these devices are easy to replace and centrally manage. But a fast network connection to the server is necessary.

On the NC graphical programs such as web browsers and Java applications run locally. This distinguishes the NC of a terminal in which the program running on a remote server. Of course, a NC can also serve as a terminal.