Thin clients and thick clients

4 minAS Level2.1.4

AI-drafted, independently checked · not yet teacher-reviewed

By the end of this lesson

By the end you can explain the difference between a thin client and a thick client, and say which suits a given situation.

Some computers are mostly a screen and a lot of trust

A thin client is basically a screen, a keyboard and a network cable. It sends your clicks to a server, the server does the real work, and the results come back to be displayed.

A thick client (or fat client) is a full computer that does its own work and only talks to the server when it needs to.

Definition

Thin client

A client (device or program) that relies heavily on a server for processing and storage. It does little processing itself and needs a continuous connection to the server to work.

Definition

Thick client

A client (device or program) that does most of its processing locally, with its own storage and installed software. It can work independently of the server and connects only when it needs to share data.

Same three jobs, different homes. Thin: the server does them. Thick: the client does them.

Quick check

Multiple choiceQuestion 1 · Recall

Which statement best describes a thin client?

AA client that relies on a server for most of its processing and storageBA lightweight, portable laptopCA client that stores all its data locally so it can work offlineDA computer that acts as both client and server

Fill in the blanksQuestion 2 · Recall

A thin client depends on the for most processing, so it needs a continuous connection to work.

Answer the 2 questions above to continue.

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