4.9.4.11 Thin- versus thick-client computing

Question 1

What is thin client computing?

Answer 1

server does more processing, so computers don’t need to be as capable
computers that tend to have no hard drive (or other form of permanent storage), very low powered CPU’s and not much memory. This is because the central server tends to be extremely powerful and handles the processing for all for it’s clients

Question 2

What is thick client computing?

Answer 2

Thick clients are computers that handle all of the processing and storage like a desktop computer. All the server does is act as an external storage device.

Question 3

What are the advantages / disadvantages of thin client computing?

Answer 3

Easier, cheap to set up
Server can be reconfigured to distribute everything
Easy to make changes as everything is on the server
Easier for network manager to control clients
Greater security as its handled by the server
Dependent on the server working
Servers themselves are expensive
Can become slow under high traffic as all the computers are reliant on the server
More traffic so more bandwidth may be needed

Question 4

What are the advantages / disadvantages of thick client computing?

Answer 4

Reduced pressure on server, faster connection to server
Clients have more control
Lower bandwidth needed
Reduced security
More difficult to manage, e.g updating software
Less efficient because processing on a computer isn’t always needed
Data integrity, locally stored data is less likely to be correct