Converting a windows pc to a thin client

When any organization embarks on an end user computing project, having already selected the most appropriate vendors, established an infrastructure, and decided between virtual desktop or remote application solutions, often the next step of the project is to review how the end users are going to connect to this new remote environment.

This is where they will typically start to evaluate thin clients as a means to connect—deciding which clients are the best option depending on their choice of remote solution.

Maybe zero clients for a VMware PCoIP environment would be considered, or a Linux-based device due to their low price point and perceived security. Rarely in this conversation does the operating system that the thin client is running become a discussion point.

Another point that gets overlooked, for whatever reason, is the fact that the end users will already have some form of PC or laptop in place that they are already using today. So now IT are looking at replacing, what are typically perfectly useable devices, for some form of thin client device—increasing the overall cost of the project.

There are additional, sometimes hidden or forgotten costs, in removing the currently deployed PCs and laptops. Ethical and secure disposal is one of these, requiring professionally certified companies in order to be carried out—which again adds to the project costs.

Reply 7 years ago on Introduction. Looks like it has enough power to handle Windows 7, and various flavors of linux. I know your question wasn't for me, but I like to help out. Unfortunately it doesn't have a Compact Flash card reader installed in it.

I found a 44pin 2GB disk on module that should work with it, however the connector on the motherboard is backwards in orientation to how the module I purchased would need to work. I did determine that I could use a Male to Female 44 pin laptop ide cable on it, so I ordered one.

I am still waiting on it to come in. Also forgot to say that WinPE would be a good choice. And for linux, try for find a distro that will boot into the live session at bootup, or if you can boot from a USB stick on the Centerm, do that and install it to your CF card.

You could install an embedded version of Windows if you are motivated enough to download an image for another thin client then use imagex to write it to flash, but I wouldn't bother on such an underpowered machine. WinPE variants could also work. See my previous post. There is no reason to want Windows on it, since each OS is merely a tool and you should make the effort to get comfortable with multiple operating systems for your own considerable!

DSL is light and fast. Puppy Linux uses more RAM but is outstanding and very popular for thin client conversions. BTW there are much more powerful thin clients available cheap via Ebay since this article was posted. Happy hunting. By fNX Follow. More by the author:. About: I love to hack things or make new ones. More About fNX ». Did you make this project? Share it with us! I Made It! Remote Control Light Switch by alanmerritt in Arduino.

Reply Upvote. RonaldS 2 years ago. NoPinky RonaldS Reply 2 years ago. PatrickW 4 years ago. Thanks for any comments, Thank you. DoctorEvil 8 years ago on Introduction. DoctorEvil 3of5 Reply 7 years ago on Introduction. Jack Doff 8 years ago on Introduction. Any production environment and IT infrastructure include back end services and end user solution to reach the service ,the end user envenom have been terraformed multiple time in the terminology start with Mainframes and dummy terminal then to client-server and at then the VDI solution.

Most of companies still using client-server and have the normal workstation and with VDI adoption every body is looking to minimize the VDI initial cost by utilizing the old PCs and repurpose it into thin clients.

Upon installation, you tell it what app presumably a connectivity app like Citrix App Receiver or VMware View client , and it replaces the shell with that executable. This can be very useful for thin clients or for turning existing Windows endpoints into thin client systems used to automatically connect into a View desktop. Turn your old endpoint devices PCs and laptops into new, secure and virus proof, centrally manageable thin client devices that can connect to your server-side desktops e.

Through our collaboration with the virtualisation community we believe we have ensured that ThinKiosk is quite simply the best value PC to Thin Client converter in the market place. In terms of price, functionality and benefits delivered it cannot be beaten. Thin Desktop makes it easy to turn a Windows based PC into a locked down device that restricts the user to run a single application which becomes the entire user interface.

The standard Windows desktop and start menu will be prevented from appearing.