The WAN bandwidth needs will vary depending on the applications, number of concurrent users, and the thin-client devices selected. Thin clients may use less bandwidth than traditional PCs because they transfer only mouse clicks and keystrokes to and screen images from the server. Network reliability is key to enable rapid screen refresh. Some thin clients come with local boot options and limited native applications to make them less network dependent. They do not need a hard drive, floppy drive, or CD-ROM drive.
Most thin clients have a sealed case design without open slots for additional security.
Some thin clients have integrated display devices, reducing necessary desk space and acquisition cost. Thin clients last longer, use less energy, and upgrades can be downloaded from the manufacturer s web site. They have a locked down desktop to ease management, and still offer a full range of productivity, web browsing, and specialized mainframe software. Depending on user needs, they come with different processing, memory, and application options. For an annual fee per user, a business can subscribe to a variety of software applications.