Thin Client computing separates the user interface from the equipment on which the operating system and applications execute.  The bulk of the processing occurs on a server system executing Microsoft’s Terminal Server software, while thin-client devices (or “Windows terminals”) display the graphical results and send the keyboard and mouse input from the end-user.  The end-user experiences the environment, interface
and applications of a Windows 2000 environment without actually having a complete workstation installed at their desktop.

The Terminal Server system is shared by all thin client customers thus optimizing equipment (memory, processors and disk capacity) and consolidating the software required.  Software installation and upgrades occur at the server system and do not require that time be spent at each thin client location.  Similarly, file protection from viruses and disk file backups are handled at the Terminal Server, thus freeing the
end-user from these chores.

Following a research study and pilot project conducted August 1999 through June 2000, IS&C’s Unix and Office Systems Group is offering thin client services to its customers.
 

Thin Client Computing Service Description

At the 2000 UC Computing Support Conference, held at UC Davis, Burt Ribet and Jamie Sonsini presented a session in which they described our Thin Client Pilot Project and the service plans for 2000/2001.  This presentation may be helpful as background for understanding thin client computing and IS&C’s service offering.
 

 Thin Client PowerPoint Presentation (.PDF format - view with Adobe Acrobat)

 

For assistance or further information please contact webcontact@ucsbuxa.ucsb.edu .

Last Modified: CGH, 3/29/01