All the operating system, application programs and data that were stored on that PC's hard drive now come from a centralized network memory. Now, because it is no longer needed, throw away the PC's hard drive, floppy drive, CD-ROM drive and the interface hardware, including the fan that keeps all that hardware cool. Keep the keyboard and a mouse. Add a simpler operating system to reduce CPU and memory requirements. Since all its software and data reside on a host system or server, an NC installation only needs an address and a password to be operational.
Initial configuration is a five minute job, almost as easy as plugging in a telephone.
And with server based configurations and nothing local to backup, NC's are client independent, interchangeable and more secure. Users run a single, universal client available on any NC in the network. Should the power be lost or the line disconnected, the server's automatic backup systems secure the current application and password protects it for subsequent log on and continuation by that user. The NC provides access to the traditional host and server based applications through terminal emulation, including 5250 and 3270, and X server functions. Internet and intranet functionality is offered through a modern browser environment and can be used to add GUI interfaces to traditional host applications.