Network Computer

A Network Computer, also known as a thin client, is a computer or software application that accesses resources over a network from a dedicated server. Unlike a personal computer (PC), a thin client performs minimal processing locally, primarily transmitting user input to the server and displaying the output. These devices typically have limited memory and no hard disk.1

Thin clients are often utilized by businesses and educational institutions for efficiency. Their minimal hardware makes them less expensive and more energy-efficient than PCs. Centralized data storage on servers simplifies software management, security, and backups. The concept of networked dumb terminals existed since the 1970s, with the term "thin client" emerging in the 1990s to highlight cost savings and efficiency. The rise of web browsers and cloud computing further popularized thin-client models.1