Zero Client

What Does Zero Client Mean?

A zero client is a type of thin client device that has a very small factor with little to no processing, storage and memory components. It is a compact client-end PC that is used in a centralized computing infrastructure or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI).

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A zero client is also known as an ultra-thin client.

Techopedia Explains Zero Client

A zero client generally does not have a built-in processor, storage, memory or native operating system (OS). It will usually has peripheral and communication ports (such as USB/VGA ports), as well as sound and networking ports. A zero client works through a central purpose-built server that hosts the OS and applications. Itsends and receives computation requests over a network and is consumes very little power during full operation.

Precise specs for can be tough to pin down when you compare zero client devices versus thin clients given how fast the technology changes, but the differentiating factor is usually considered to be that the OS for an ultra-thin client is on the server, whereas it is on the device in the case of a thin client.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…