Thin Vs Thick client computing

Question 1

What is thin client computing?

Answer 1

Thin-client computers are low-specification devices; they have little processing power and rely on the more powerful server to provide resources, such as processing power and storage for main programs and data
- The thin-client computer doesn’t require any additional software to be downloaded; it typically uses web applications via a browser.

Question 2

What are the advantages of thin client computing?

Answer 2

• Improved security as client access rights can be managed to reduce access to vulnerable files on the server
• Network administrator can back up all system data more easily and control clients activities
• Software and hardware can be configured and updated from the server

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of thin client computing?

Answer 3

• A high bandwidth network connection is required to offset poor response time during busy periods
• It is expensive to purchase and install a high-specification server capable of operating the thin-client system
• Server failure or inaccessibility results in all client work being affected

Question 4

What is thick client computing?

Answer 4

Thick-client computers are fully functional computers, so they can operate without being connected to the network and a server. In a thick-client network, the server can give the client additional processing power, further local storage and access to software that is installed on the server and run from the client machine.

Question 5

What are the advantages of thick client computing?

Answer 5

• Improved performance for thick-client users, as software applications are processed locally on the client device
• Thick-client computers can run stand-alone from the network where necessary, minimising the impact of server failure or the network being inaccessible
• Thick-client software offers additional features and customisation which improve the usability of the application

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of thick client computing?

Answer 6

• Less security as clients can download applications and access the Internet directly
• Further tasks for network adminstrator as hardware and software need to be configured and updated on individual client machine
• Additional costs incurred as thick-client computers need to be a higher specification than thin clients