If the server goes down, users can still function at some level. Windows terminals provide another solution. The client computers hook into a server running Windows NT and Citrix WinFrame. This software combination allows for multi-user connections to the Windows apps running on the server. Users can move from location to location, and access their documents without worrying about porting them.
Network computers utilize a Java-based architecture.
The server holds all of the applications and data, while all of the processing occurs locally. Oracle has long been a producer of network computers running Java. While the NC clients cost less than the other two alternatives, it must be noted that few Java business applications exist right now. In terms of their physical make-up, Windows terminals and NCs aren't much different. Change some firmware, and you can go from one to the other.