Turn thin client into server A traditional thin client is a watered-down version of a computer. They all have older desktop PCs which have full XP or 7 versions on them. 10ZiG Thin client for use as a low budget home server. Here is one worth trying, especially if we already have a working hardware but not a Thin Client Turn the laptops for thin clients I guess. In this guide, we'll explore what a thin client is, why it’s beneficial for RDP, and the best thin client for remote desktop available today. All their work is done in multiple browser tabs. Introduction Thin clients running Dell ThinOS firmware are designed solely for optimal thin client security and performance. Jun 19, 2012 · With 2XOS, you can convert any PC, netbook, notebook, thin client or other device to a cloud client able to access applications and desktops remotely, through a simple, easy-to-use interface. I bought Wyse 5070 Thin client to build on it my home server using TrueNAS OS. I use a laptop with VMWare Horizon to access a virtual machine on the work network for all of my work. 2. Parts: An old pc that has a built in network card that supports pxe (pre execution environment) boot. In a large organization with a distributed environment, maintaining WAN links can be stressful when using thin clients. Are there consumer devices that turn people's laptops into thin clients while backing up their data too? To save money on buying a new laptop. A thin client network is a server-based network where all the processing is on a server rather than by the individual client machine. Administrators should learn the essential components and steps required to set up a thin client environment, from hardware choices to back-end configuration and client provisioning. Follow three simple steps, use a quick decision guide on when to buy hardware, and test via USB with ZeeOS and WMC. Turning a Used Tiny PC Into Your Personal Cloud Server: Recently, my friend told me that he has an old thin client PC lying around and want to turn it into some kind of "google drive" like server. We set them up as zero clients so users just sign directly into the horizon client on them. com 30th November 1999 How to turn inexpensive legacy computers into fast terminals using the power of your main computer, you will need : A fast computer to act as Server, A client computer (old and unwanted). The enterprise client contains only the client, while the regular package contains both a client and server. We also explore video transcode performance Aug 25, 2016 · I am a thin client enthusiast, they are 100% silent and uses less power. Server that supports pxeboot to push an os such as LTSP, DRBD, Redhat, or maybe MSXP Embedded remote boot. This will be about the same performance you'd get with a server+thin client. Anybody done this sort of stuff. Would love to set it up as my home NAS and Plex media server running unRAID. So in summary, I believe my options are: Is there any solution out there to turn a Mac into a true multi-user thin client server? I'd like to set up a few cheap PCs with access to a couple accounts using something like VNC, but it isn't economical to buy a new server for each user or a new license for virtualized OS X Server for each user. In this video, we explore a simple setup of an HP T620 thin client and an external USB drive and the possibilities of running FreeNAS and some plugins. Dec 27, 2023 · Thin clients can save your business money by letting you use low-cost Raspberry Pis to access applications and files stored securely on powerful servers. So you can easily try it out with a tablet or old laptop, and RDP/VNC to your gaming-pc. Mar 18, 2021 · Hey, Newbie here and not a server-dude :) I have a simple need to connect to a host PC running Windows 10 pro (quite noisy and large so want to move it to another room at home) from a thin client/dumb terminal. See full list on virtualizationhowto. Turn on the client computer or thin client. off-shelf Thin Clients, other free or open source Thin Client operating systems solutions etc. Note: Certain old pc's where the bios does not support pxe boot can be made to emulate Turn Windows 10 in to a Thin Client with access to one web site. Usually it’s a PCI box that replaces the boot hard drive that you, or the company you get it from, puts a solid-state OS image on. com Unlock the potential of your existing hardware with RepurpOS™, 10ZiG’s Thin Client OS transformative solution designed for the modern VDI, DaaS, and Cloud era. With RDP, you may need to get a suitable client (there's newer clients for say windows XP that supports the new shiny vista and 7 RDP stuff), and with newer versions of windows, rather counter intuitively leaving graphical speedup Dec 19, 2023 · A thin client is a lightweight computer that depends on a central server to run applications and store data. Some Thin Clients can be modified to load and run a full featured OS, including Linux. It comes with limited CPU and memory resources. Mar 20, 2024 · Setting up a used Dell Wyse 5070 thin client as a home server running Unraid Update 20. I'd like to move them to thin clients to reclaim Windows licenses, but I'm unsure if I should buy thin clients or re-image their computers with Linux & configure them as thin clients? For reference this office's computers are either Dell Wyse Converter for PCs Quick Start Resources: Wyse Converter for PCs allows you to convert an existing Windows 7 or Windows 10 PC into a locked down 'thin-client'. On the client computer or thin client, start Remote Desktop Connection or an equivalent application, and enter the name or IP address of the computer running MultiPoint Services. Users can then log into their virtual desktops at any time from any location. 03. Hello!, I'm looking to buy a used thin client as cheap as possible but with decent hardware so as to have the possibility to install a bare metal hypervisor like xcp-ng or Proxmox, to have management capabilities of virtual machines, copy, backup them and turn off and deploy again in no time, and Revitalize old computers and thin clients LEAF OS can also be flashed directly to the internal hard drive, turning any* x86-64 PC or thin client (with BIOS or UEFI motherboard firmware) into a permanently repurposed, high-performance thin client. I'd like to lock these systems down so that the employees only option is to log into the TS server. Server is meant to run proxmox and win10 VM for CCTV software. This changes the video output of the motherboard from the VGA port to a socket on the motherboard used for integrated LCD panels. One of our labs of computers was converted into thin clients a few years ago using a procedure we found with Windows ThinPC and the VMware Horizon client. Client comes with 16gb eMMC storage soldered and 512GB M. Tools: Screwdriver for removing parts. Parallels RAS integrates Kiosk mode in your infrastructure effortlessly! I have an entire office currently with full Windows computers that the users currently log into Windows & click a Desktop shortcut to log into Citrix. I got my hands on a HP T740 Thin client running Ryzen V1756B with Vega 8 Graphics, 8 GB DDR4 3200mhz. We ran into an issue with upgrading the client to the new version recently. Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop, VMware Horizon View, Quest vWorkspace, Microsoft Remote Desktop / Terminal server infrastructure) or cloud hosted desktops out of the box. I like the ability to load beyond trust jump clients on them so desktop support teams can remote directly into the thin client the same way they jump on a pc. 5 offices with about 35 employees total will be remoting into a TS server (2008 r2). The endpoint device could be a printer as well. ) The Answer While there maybe different solutions, e. For some reason, we ran into an issue with the client and the version of Windows wasn’t The point with a thin client is that it only handles displaying the remote desktop and keyboard/mouse/audio. May 14, 2024 · This article provides the steps when a Dell Thin Client logged in to a Microsoft Remote Desktop Server (RDS) is issued a Terminal Server Client Access License (TSCAL). You might also just be getting a laptop with a software thin client. Applications that do not work correctly on the PC can be accessed from the server via a thin client connection, providing the required functionality without multiple and constant hardware updates. Linux compatible network cards. Jul 12, 2022 · Turn existing PCs into thin clients. May 27, 2024 · This article provides a deep dive into how to configure a thin client server, focusing on technical details that IT professionals need to consider when deploying and managing these systems. Things You Need Before we get started, here is the hardware and software you‘ll need: […] Thin Client: New User Guide Stephen Noble stephen7 at bigfoot. re-purpose old/retired or low end/performance/power devices etc. g. Jul 22, 2016 · Connect the client computer or thin client to the LAN. I haven't bought it yet but thinking… Jun 1, 2017 · The ThinOX4PC is a product that essentially turns an older PC or laptop into a thin client that can be used with any number of VDI technologies including but not limited to Citrix, Remote Desktop Client, VMware Horizon View, and others essentially allowing us to automate and repurpose old PCs into Thin Client VDI terminals. Warning: Never go into the thin client BIOS and change the Integrated Peripherals>Display Status from CRT to LCD. Jun 20, 2018 · Pretty much all the major thin client manufacturers have a hardware solution for turning PCs into thin clients, WYSE being the major one that comes to mind. XP/VS Terminal Server A multi-user Remote Desktop access solution to turn any modern Windows system into a fully-featured RDP server. We have around 50 + old laptops that aren't really being used since the height of the pandemic. Just acquired old DL380P Gen8 8x1TB SAS discs, 2x xenon, 180gb ram. Does anyone know free solutions that could possibly convert them into thin clients? Preferably one that is user friendly and has to wifi? Jun 3, 2025 · In such cases, admins can easily turn those tablets into thin clients by installing the appropriate client app and configuring the proper connection. Learn how to upgrade your old hardware now! Revitalize old computers and thin clients LEAF OS can also be flashed directly to the internal hard drive, turning any* x86-64 PC or thin client (with BIOS or UEFI motherboard firmware) into a permanently repurposed, high-performance thin client. The model I am using had originally 2GB ram onboard and a 16gb DOM hdd. It is a larger model thin client and gives more possibilities than the T5740. Feb 9, 2024 · So if you want to turn your computer into a dedicated thin client, all you need to do is disable any extraneous software and services, disconnect any unneeded peripherals and components, and configure the OS to automatically connect to a remote host at startup. Before Turn a HP t420 thin client into a small server Hello! I was looking to a raspberry pi or similar and find out that a HP thin client T420 could be a good alternative (a refurbished one) Is it possible to install Ubuntu server or similar to such a device? Revitalize old computers and thin clients LEAF OS can also be flashed directly to the internal hard drive, turning any* x86-64 PC or thin client (with BIOS or UEFI motherboard firmware) into a permanently repurposed, high-performance thin client. Converting a Thinclient Into a Desktop Computer: Ok, I've got really a lot of computers standing around here but from time to time I just miss another machine. Use the Dell Wyse USB Imaging Tool version 3. And want to turn them into diskless thin client that boots from network. Most have many I/O ports for A thin client, a thin client is basically a stripped down computer that is used as a window to the Terminal Server, some use complex platforms to connect to the server, but today I am using RDP because that was the easiest for me (and cheapest). Set Assigned Access: Go to Configure > Accounts > Family & Many Users. There are also software solutions for kiosk-ing PCs the same way. Jun 22, 2020 · I have old PC’s DDR 2 ram with core 2 duo cpu. How to Set Up Windows 10 as a Thin Client Using RDP (Basic Method) If you don’t want third-party software, you can manually turn a Windows 10 machine into a basic thin client: Create a Local User Account for thin client access. May 1, 2023 · Below is a list of common configuration problems, ordered from thin client power on to Terminal Server Login. These efficient purpose-built thin clients offer ultrafast access to applications, files, and network resources within Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environments. But the upside is Oct 1, 2017 · 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. . They were designed to have more graphical capability at the workstation but still rely on the server for program and file storage. I'm uning nowadays the HP T610 for NAS purposes. This is similar to a thin client but I have a full laptop. Free Thin Clients— Repurpose Your Legacy Machines Make use of legacy hardware and turn it into fully secure and manageable free thin clients, retaining the data in a central location. Nov 27, 2022 · The Issue We want to create a Thin Client device/computer/PC/laptop etc. 2 SATA drive… Aug 30, 2022 · A common approach to repurposing old computer hardware is to turn it into a thin client system. (e. Sep 26, 2018 · We have used VMware desktop virtualization for about 4 years now. Virtual desktops and published application run on servers and display the screenshots on the thin client. Now this is a bit overkill and there are 2 persons in the office using old laptops. I told my boss that instead of recycling them - we could convert them into Thin Clients and could be used for a DR. *Newer devices may require additional Linux drivers. ThinOX4PC provides robust options allowing IT admins to use a dedicated thin client operating system providing secure connectivity for remote end-users. In client-server environments, these thin clients rely on the server to centrally manage most of the data processing. Apr 29, 2024 · Transform outdated PCs into secure thin clients for cloud computing with a lightweight Thin Client OS. Network for the sort of thin client to connect to the server. I’m looking for similar os with management portal, super light network boot in couple of seconds and directly connect to rdp session on Windows server 2019. Mar 5, 2024 · Hello all, I'm new to this and appoligize for being a dummy but I need some assistance to figure this out. Apr 29, 2014 · What advice would you give to a competent tech looking who has 0 experience setting up/monitoring a thin client/server environment but is looking to do so for +100 clients. Read this definitive 2500+ word guide on building your own DIY thin client with WTware software. Any suggestions pls Aug 12, 2025 · This video will demonstrate the setup procedure of a Dell Wyse ThinOS using First Boot Wizard for Dell Wyse Thin Client. 2 pcie header intended for a wireless card, but adapters exist on aliexpress to plug an NVME SSD into it (confirmed to work on other forums). Sometimes easy to get them very cheap with some luck. Everything you do is done in the VM on the server . 2024: Eine deutsche Version dieses repositories findet sich nun als Blog Eintrag hier Modifying a Thin Client into a Standalone Computer Thin Clients are workstation terminal units with more than just server communication capabilities. PAGE 59 8 Installing firmware using USB Imaging Tool Firmware installation is the process of installing the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise firmware on your thin client. Jul 19, 2019 · Thin clients are networked computers which are used to connect to virtual desktops or apps. The best option I tested was wtware but due to its unreasonable price I will not be using it. Unlike a traditional PC, which handles everything locally, a thin client is designed to access a virtual desktop or remote session, making it easier to manage, more secure, and cost-effective for businesses. Edge computing with Media Player, MiniPC, and Thin Client - Since 1999 the news for thin client computing market. 10ZiG RepurpOS™ is a no-hassle repurposing software solution that breathes new life into nearly any device, from old PCs to laptops, and even third-party Thin Clients. Turn a PC into a locked down thin client? I have a client that has gone virtual. 0 to install the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise image on your thin client. As I don't want to spend money for an energy wasting high end machine, just to do some minor jobs, surf the web or read my mails I thought… Jul 6, 2022 · Repurpose old PCs as thin clients with ThinOX4PC Praim ThinOX4PC is a portable version of ThinOX that can run on top of other vendor’s PC’s or thin clients, including BYOD hardware. Apr 24, 2014 · Old-PC-to-thin-client conversions can help prolong hardware's life while still getting VDI off the ground in your shop. Select the account & click Configure assigned I set out to use an old Dell Wyse 5070 thin client (see here) as a cheap energy saving desktop replacement/ home server and this community was really helpful for someone who started from scratch. Dec 30, 2021 · Essentially, the process allows you to convert existing PCs and thin clients into more powerful and efficient endpoint devices while adding years of continued productive operation. Cloud computing. For this thin client, my only options for expansion are external USB drives, or there's an internal M. Jul 31, 2025 · Thin client environments are a cornerstone in modern enterprise IT, offering centralized control, enhanced security and simplified management. A thin client can be a desktop box (probably not suitable) or a laptop like device. But if you don't do it right, you'll have a support nightmare.