Linux thin clients on the notebook

Posted by igelclient on July 4th, 2015

Linux is the world's most popular thin client operating system. This applies not only to hardware thin clients but also to thin client software which allows both PCs and notebooks to be operated as a Linux thin client.

How does a notebook become a Linux thin client?

Germany's most popular thin client software, the IGEL Universal Desktop Converter 2 (UDC2), is entirely based on Linux. The German market leader for Linux Thin Clients offers five possible ways of converting PCs and notebooks into a software thin client with IGEL Linux. The new operating system is installed either locally from a bootable USB stick, a special USB token or a bootable DVD, or via the network. Central distribution takes place via a PSX server and web GUI (IGEL Deployment Appliance) or via the Remote Installation Service (RIS) of Microsoft Windows Server 2003.

How flexible is a Linux thin client on a notebook?

When the thin client operating system is installed, the hard disk or SSD of the notebook is formatted as standard. The user of the newly created Linux thin client cannot install additional applications and can only work in one of many centralized IT and cloud environments which IGEL supports with its Linux firmware. These range from Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) or Citrix XenApp / XenDesktop to VMware Horizon View. IGEL also provides native IBM access. Via the integrated Firefox browser, the Linux thin client is even able to open websites directly in order to use cloud services such as Microsoft Office 365 or Google Docs.

The Linux thin client's limits

The IGEL Universal Desktop firmware used by the Linux thin client has a number of attractive features for notebook users with special requirements. These include an optional codec pack for local multimedia decoding as well as the IGEL Café Wireless (standard) which allows users of notebook thin clients to access WLAN networks without the help of an administrator.

Summary: the mobile Linux thin client is a convenient and secure alternative

If adequate WLAN coverage is available, working with a mobile Linux thin client can be as convenient as working with a normal Windows notebook. And it is certainly more secure. After all, no sensitive application data can be lost, even if a device is stolen. The Linux thin client is therefore a secure alternative.

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