-
A network computer is a computer whose sole purpose is to connect to a server. This type of computer will have a minimal amount of memory, little or no disk storage and a small processor.
Usage
Network computers are useful in corporate and educational environments where many computers must access standardized software and centralized data.
History
The trend toward using network computers was started in the 1990s when Sun Microsystems, IBM and Wyse all created network computers. The trend was strongly supported by Oracle.
Advantages
The total cost of ownership is reduced when using network computers as the software and data can be maintained on a centralized server. Also, the cost of hardware for a network computer is less than it is for an independent desktop computer.
Disadvantages
A network computer is dependent on the network. If the network fails, the computer will be useless.
Net PCs
Net PCs (also called Internet appliances) are network computers that are designed to only access the Internet.
Source:
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC