Thin Vs Thick client computing

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.

• 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

• 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

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.

• 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

• 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