Specifications

3
How does it work?
Figure 1: Server-Based Computing
The server-based computing technology revolves around 3 main
components:
1. A multi-user operating system that allows multiple users to
log on and work concurrently, using applications in separate,
protected sessions on a single server. Examples of terminal
servers are Microsoft Terminal Services 2000/2003, Citrix
Metaframe and 2X TerminalServer for Linux.
2. A thin client, which runs a minimal amount of software, but at
least one program that connects to the terminal server. The
thin client and the terminal server can be running completely
different types of operating systems: For example Linux
based thin clients are currently the most popular way to
connect to a Windows terminal server! On the thin client
there will be a program such as rdesktop (Linux) or Remote
Desktop Connection (Windows) to connect to the terminal
server.
3. A protocol to allow the terminal server and thin client to
communicate and send only the keystrokes, mouse clicks
and screen updates across the network. Of course this will
be suitably compressed. Popular protocols are RDP
(Remote Desktop protocol), ICA and NX.
Server-based computing advantages in a nutshell
Server-based computing is currently considered as the most
efficient, flexible and cost-effective solution for application delivery
and administration. It boasts the following advantages:
• Reduces desktop hardware investment
• Significantly reduces administration staffing costs
• Significantly reduces desktop maintenance costs
• Virtually removes the need for desktop upgrades