Thin Clients in the libraryJackPC
Presented by:
Rachel Hansen
Stephen Sweeney
John Twigg
Background-Early Computers
Early terminals
“I think there is a world market formaybe five computers.”
T. Watson, Chariman of IBM, in 1943
Background-Personal Computer
These units have their ownprocessing power and storage
“There is no reason anyone wouldwant a computer in their home”
Ken Olsen, Digital
Equipment Corp.,
now part of Compaq
Personal Computer Proliferation
So many specialized devices requiredto run a network that the typicalbusiness PC was referred to as a “fatclient”
“640K ought to be enough foranyone”
Bill Gates, Microsoft CEO, 1981
Client-Server History
1970’s – Dumb Computer Terminals
1980’s – Personal Computers
1990’s – Networked Computers (FatClients)
1996 – Thin Clients
JackPC
Thin Client vs. Fat Client
In client/server applications, a thin client is designed tobe especially small so that the bulk of the dataprocessing occurs on the server.
The word "thin" refers to the small boot image whichsuch clients typically require - perhaps no more thanrequired to connect to a network and start up adedicated web browser or "Remote Desktop" connectionsuch as X11, Citrix ICA or Microsoft RDP.
A thin client is a network computer without a hard diskdrive, whereas a fat client includes a disk drive.
A fat client is a client that performs the bulk of any dataprocessing operations itself, and relies on the server it isassociated with primarily for data storage.
JackPC
Advantages of Thin Clients
boot image control is much simpler when onlythin clients are used - typically a single bootimage can accommodate a very wide range ofuser needs, and be managed centrally,resulting in:
Lower IT admin costs
Easier to secure
Lower hardware costs
Worthless to thieves
JackPC
Disadvantages of Thin Clients
Single point of failure
Limited memory at each workstation
Server/back end support expensive
Not as versatile
JackPC
Advantages of Fat (thick) clients
Less network bandwidth
Fewer server requirements
Better multimedia performance
More flexibility
JackPC
Disadvantages of Thick Clients
Less secure-more prone to theft
Need to add programs/software to eachmachine individually
Expensive initial cost of investment
JackPC
What is JackPC?
“Desktop in the jack”OR “computer in thewall”
Is a thin clientcomputer whichoperates in a ServerBased Computingenvironment
JackPC Hardware
JackPC installations
JackPC Installations
JackPC Hardware
What peripheral devices can be supported by Jack-PC?
Most peripheral devices will work:a. Most keyboards (including wireless keyboards)b. Most mice (including wireless mice)c. All USB printersd. Most USB storage devices including USB keys and camerase. Approved wireless USB devicesf. Approved USB smart-card readersg. Most USB touch-screen controllersh. Approved USB to PS/2 convertersi. Approved USB to serial ports
Does Jack PC support USB storage devices?
Yes. Most storage devices are supported.Note: for security reasons by default anything other than keyboardand mouse is blocked. Specific user or device policy is needed toenable this support
Can I use wireless keyboard / mouse with Jack-PC?
Yes. Most models are supported
Does Jack-PC support wireless LAN? Yes. Certain USB wirelessdevices are supported using specific plug-ins.
JackPC Specifications
CPU
Jack-PC 6700:
• AMD Au1550 Alchemyprocessor, 333 MHz RISC(equivalent to 800 GHz x86TCProcessor)
Jack-PC 6800/6900:
• AMD Au1550 Alchemyprocessor, 500 MHz RISC(equivalent to 1.2 GHz x86TCProcessor)
Mass-Storage/Memory
Jack-PC 6700:
32MB DOC/64MB DDR, 400MHz
Jack-PC 6800/6900:
64MB DOC/128 MB DDR, 400MHz
JackPC Specifications
Operating System
• Microsoft Windows CE.NET 5.2 kernel
Protocols Supported
• Microsoft® RDP 5.2
• Citrix® ICA 8.x
• Local Browser IE 6.0
Compliant Servers
• Microsoft Windows NT® Server 4.0 Terminal Edition
• Microsoft Windows 2000® Server
• Microsoft Windows 2003® Server (.NET)
• Citrix WinFrame®
• Citrix MetaFrame®
JackPC Network
Network
• 10/100 Fast Ethernet, twisted pair (RJ-45) withAuto-negotiate
• TCP/IP with DNS and DHCP
• Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)
• SNMP support allows remote configuration ofdevice settings, reporting of device configurationand attached devices
• Compliant with standards: IEEE 802.3-LAN &802.3U-LAN
JackPC Network
Power over Ethernet
a solution where electrical current is run to networkinghardware over the Ethernet Category 5 or higher datacabling. No extra AC power cord is needed at the productlocation, minimizing the amount of cables needed and/orthe hassle of installing extra outlets.
integrates power and data onto once single cablinginfrastructure, eliminating the need to have AC poweravailable at all locations.
Power and Data is integrated onto the same cable,supporting category 5/5e up to 100 meters.
During power failures, PoE ensures continuous operation ofremotely connected devices
widely adopted in the market, saving up to 50% of overallinstallation costs by eliminating the need to install separateelectrical wiring and power outlets.
JackPC
System schematic
JackPC
ManagementSoftware - XcaliburGlobal
![MPj04050040000[1]](data/images/img18.jpg)
JackPC
Software highlights
Integrate Chip PC thin clients Into the Active Directory view
Use the existing Active Directory tree structure to manage thinclients
Real-time management OR Policy-based management? You canhave them both!
Assign Xcalibur policies to devices And Users in any ActiveDirectory level
Leverage Windows security and rights delegation to assign thinclient management permissions
Optimize network utilization by mapping your network layoutInto the Xcalibur Farm
Benefit from SSL encryption, traffic compression, port numbercontrol, bandwidth control and more
Automate software distribution, image upgrades and recoveryby configuring the software installation- services at theFarm/Site/Ip Scope level
For security and asset management reasons, use device-authentication to prevent unauthorized device usage
Securely authenticate thin client Users in front of your Domain
JackPC
Software Features
Standard MMC snap-in administration tool
Combines logical (Active-Directory-based) and physical (Xcalibur-Farm-based) management models
Uses existing Active Directory Tree structure to perform managementtasks
Assigns management policies to devices in any Active Directory level
Scalable by adding Xcalibur Front End-Servers to the Xcalibur Farm asneeded
Fault tolerant through Redundancy & Load Balancing
Centralizes remote deployment of software to devices
Centralizes configuration, upgrade and troubleshooting of devices
Uses existing Active Directory permission delegation and inheritancemodel to assign management permissions.
Uses an Independent Management Protocol that has built-in supportfor: SSL Encryption, Compression, Port Number Control, BandwidthControl and more
Optimizes enterprise network infrastructure by using Xcalibur Sites andProxies for bandwidth optimization
JackPC
JackPC Summary
Pros
Small footprint
Lower Hardware costs and upkeep
Hardware and software uniformity
Control
Reduced support costs
Security
Virus protection
Theft
JackPC Summary
Cons
Hardware costs may be ‘cheaper’ up frontbut cost may even out with implementationof remote management software andaccessories
Requires proprietary management software
Requires heavy back end (servers) andadministration
Still relatively new system
JackPC
How could you use this in a library?
Public Access Terminals
OPAC Access
Library Automation System
Probably not…
Staff computers
Service desk computers
Fin
