All companies look for ways in which they can decrease their initial and running costs of their computing environment, and luckily there is a way to do so. By running a Terminal Server within an organization, the business can reduce ongoing cost by consolidating all the software required onto one computer. Compared to traditional setups, the software of a Terminal Server computer setup is required by clients to run on the server itself and display on the clients screen whereas a traditional setup has the client system running the software.
It is not complicated to understand how Terminal Servers work as they can be considered a powerful desktop system. The main difference is that rather than show a display on a directly connected monitor it sends the display across a network to a client terminal. As a result the user uses the client terminal as if it were a normal desktop except the input from the user is sent to the Terminal Server and the resulting display sent back again. On top of this the Terminal Server is not limited to just one client terminal but rather can handle a number of clients connected to and using the Terminal Server at the same time.
A Terminal Server setup has numerous merits compared to a traditional computer setup, such as reduced initial implementation costs and reduced ongoing support costs. Owing to the fact that processing work is done by the Terminal Server, client terminals are very inexpensive as they are completely disk-less and run the minimum of hardware. Although a Terminal Server is more expensive than a standard desktop system, the cost is offset by the reduced cost of client terminals.
When it comes to upgrade time for your systems only the Terminal Server needs to be updated when the time comes, the client terminals do not need to be touched at all. Furthermore, Terminal servers offer flexibility as users will not need to sit on any particular client terminal to access their user account. Any user can sit at any terminal client and by providing a valid username and password they are able to access their account. This is not even limited to just terminals in the office, most computers have the required software to connect to a Terminal Server pre-installed, so you can connect to your Terminal Server from any computer with an internet connection.
Here at VG Computing, we have dedicated ourselves in mastering new technological advances, plus we are able to setup the hardware, software and installation of your requested Terminal Servers at your premises.
We provide our clients with excellent after sale services especially to clients who need assistance in using their new system. With our general usage support service we strive to ensure you are happy and pleased with your system by providing assistance in its usage and also to help in the event that you come across any problems. Additionally we also install what is known as 'Remote Administration' software with which we can correct any software problem you are having by remotely connecting to your system.
We also offer a service to maintain your server after installation. We are able to ensure your server remains up to date with the latest security patches as well as ensure that your server is working at peak efficiency.
How it works
You can consider a Terminal Server to be a powerful desktop system. The main difference is that rather than show a display on a directly connected monitor it sends the display across a network to a client terminal. In this way the user uses the client terminal as if it were a normal desktop except the input from the user is sent to the Terminal Server and the resulting display sent back again. On top of this the Terminal Server is not limited to just one client terminal but rather can handle a number of clients connected to and using the Terminal Server at the same time.
Advantages and Disadvantages
A Terminal Server setup has a number of advantages and disadvantages over a
traditional computer setup. The following is a list of what to expect when
running a Terminal Server. If you are unsure whether or not a Terminal Server
is suitable for your needs please contact us
and we can determine if this type of setup is suitable for your environment.
Advantages:
Reduced Initial Implementation Costs
Since the processing work is done by the Terminal Server, client terminals
are very cheap as they are completely disk less and run the minimum of hardware.
While a Terminal Server is more expensive than a standard desktop system this cost
is offset by the reduced cost of client terminals.
Reduced Running Costs
Client terminals require very little ongoing maintenance and attention. Since only
the Terminal Server itself needs to be maintained running costs are kept to a absolute
minimum.
Upgradability
When it comes time to upgrade to a newer operating system only the Terminal Server needs
updating. The client terminals need not be touched at all.
Flexibility
User will not need to sit on any particular client terminal to access their user
account. Any user can sit at any terminal client and by providing a valid username
and password they are able to access their account.
Disadvantages:
Display Speed
Sometimes when the server and/or network is under heavy load the display on the client
terminals may be a little slow. However a well setup server and connecting network will
alleviate this problem in most instances.
Also high quality animated graphics may also be slow to display. Generally the network
connection between the client terminal and the Terminal Server is fast enough to
handle a movie clip however performance may suffer if a number of users are doing
this at the same time. A 3D animated graphics display (normally used for 3D games) is
not possible on a client terminal.
Dependency on Server
The client terminals rely on the Terminal Server to function. If the Terminal Server is
unavailable for any reason the client terminals will cease to function.
No Floppy or CD-ROM
Generally client terminals do not include any form of floppy or CD-ROM drive.
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