How to choose zero client and thin client?

Many people don't know the difference between zero client and thin client, and how to choose from them. Today ShareVDI technology will share about this with you.

1. Definition of thin client and zero client

Thin client: (Thin terminal / X86 terminal / X86 thin client)

It is generally an X86 architecture and has a local operating system. It is a thin computer (mini PC) pre-installed with cloud desktop client software.

Features: Like a PC, it can be flexibly customized to configure memory, hard disk, and even CPU.

Zero client: (Cloud terminal / ARM terminal )

Zero clients are ARM architecture and have no open local operating system, memory, hard disk and other storage configurations. It is a more integrated input and output device without local processing and storage.

Features: Highly integrated, unable to customize hardware flexibly.

2.What is the difference between zero client and thin client?

1). Internal operating system

Thin client usually use customized embedded operating systems, such as Linux, Android or Windows CE, Windows Embeded, CloudV. It is equivalent to a mini PC, with configuration requirements, people can match (install and run) software and store data according to their own preferences.

In addition to running thin client windows virtual desktop with servers, X86 thin client can also work independently. In other words, when thin client remote desktop connection does not work, it reverts to its original shape and becomes a mini PC. At this point, the user is equivalent to using a new computer. It looks good, but the data is still on the server.

In fact, as long as the intranet is stable, whether it is a thin client or a zero client, there is basically no situation where the server cannot be connected.

Zero clients are special because one or more cloud desktop platforms have been set at the factory, such as Microsoft RDP, VMware PCoIP, Citrix HDX, CloudS DTP, and KVM SPICE. The configuration itself is limited to running cloud desktop client programs and screen transfer. The zero client only provides a cloud desktop login interface to end users, and can quickly start up and connect to the cloud desktop.

Zero client box is equivalent to an input and output intermediary, which is only responsible for transmitting the keyboard and mouse commands of the terminal to the back-end server through the network, and then sending back the pictures and sounds processed by the server of zero client workstation.

2). Desktop connection type

Because of the open system, X86 thin client can support people to freely install clients of various cloud desktop platforms, and support different protocols, such as Microsoft's RDP, VMware's PCOIP or Citrix's HDX.

Because the zero client does not have an open system, it can only support the cloud desktop platform specified by the manufacturer. For example, you can only use the iOS system to buy an Apple mobile phone. Similarly, what kind of zero client box is used, it is necessary to use the corresponding cloud desktop solution, which cannot be switched at will, and has specificity.

3). Maintenance work

For thin client hardware, IT staff needs to maintain each in addition to the thin client terminal server. Because the system of thin client is customized, its security is higher than that of traditional PC, but lower than that of zero client. Thin client also need to be patched and updated regularly, but the maintenance workload of thin client is lower than that of traditional PCs and higher than that of zero client.

Zero client basically do not need maintenance, and they are naturally immune to viruses. IT staff only needs to concentrate on maintaining the server.

3. How to choose zero client and thin client?

Why choose thin client? 

l The application scenario is more complex, and there is a need to use multiple platforms at the same time or switch to use;

l When the cloud desktop cannot be connected, it can work independently locally.

Note: When switching platforms, the thin terminal needs to be reconfigured; when using it independently, it is necessary to consider whether the application and data storage are usually only on the cloud host.

Why choose zero client?

l Zero client has higher security and zero maintenance;

l Quick boot, easier to use;

l Smaller size, more power saving and longer life.

As the cloud desktop gradually becomes popular, the annual shipments of zero clients are also increasing. At present, in terms of market share, thin client still account for the majority, because X86 thin client as the successor of X86-based PCs, have a higher degree of standardization and lower R&D costs that manufacturers need to invest; It is open-ended and has a wider market audience.

As a latecomer, zero client is an exclusive cloud desktop device. Although its research and development cost is high, more manufactures are moving to it with exclusive sales pattern, becuase zero client is becomming more and more popular due to the simpler operation, and cost-effective price.