Thin Client

In call centers, public authorities, clinics, and branch offices, many employees work on small, fanless devices on which almost nothing is stored. These are thin clients. "Almost nothing" is not "nothing" when decommissioning, however. This entry explains how thin clients work, how they differ from PCs, and what to consider when decommissioning.

How a thin client works

The actual computing work takes place in the data center, on a terminal server or in a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). The thin client establishes a connection via protocols such as RDP or ICA and displays the remote desktop. The operating system is often a specialized Linux variant or an embedded Windows version. The devices are managed centrally via management software that distributes settings and updates.

Thin client, fat client, and zero client compared

Device type	Local computing power and storage	Typical data on the device
Fat client (classic PC)	Fully equipped, large hard drive or SSD	Operating system, programs, user data, caches
Thin Client	Low, small flash memory, often eMMC	Operating system, connection profiles, certificates, partly stored login credentials and browser caches
Zero client	Minimal, no freely usable operating system	Essentially firmware and configuration

Advantages of thin clients are central management, low power consumption, little maintenance, and a long service life. A disadvantage is the dependence on the network and the server.

What to note when retiring devices

• Do not underestimate the storage: Even a small flash memory can contain connection data, network keys, certificates, or cached content. It must be erased or, if that is not possible, destroyed.
• Soldered storage: eMMC chips are often permanently mounted on the circuit board. If they cannot be erased by software, only physical destruction of the memory remains.
• Remove from management: Unenroll devices in the management software so that they no longer receive configuration and licenses become free.
• Check residual value: Thin clients are robust and often have a long service life. Depending on model and generation, a sale can be worthwhile, see Residual value of IT hardware.

For resale, a fresh operating system image is usually installed, see Re-imaging. How the end of support for Windows 10 affects the used market for workstation computers is described in our guide Selling used PCs after the end of Windows 10.

Thin clients and Second IT

Second IT buys used workplace technology, checks every device at goods receipt for all storage media, and registers it by serial number. Erasure is carried out with Blancco and a digitally signed erasure certificate for each device. Storage media that cannot be erased are destroyed in-house in accordance with DIN 66399 (up to security level H-5 and E-5). More on the inventory analysis and market valuation.

Frequently asked questions about the thin client

Does a thin client store data?

Yes, even if little. The flash memory holds the operating system, connection profiles, and certificates, and depending on the setup also stored login credentials or browser caches. A thin client should therefore also be erased before it is passed on.

What is the difference between a thin client and a zero client?

A thin client has its own lean operating system and can use various connection types. A zero client has only firmware for a specific protocol and stores even less.

Can thin clients be resold?

Often yes, because the devices are robust and used in many environments. The price depends on model, processor generation, and condition. Before sale they must be verifiably erased and removed from management.

What is the difference between a thin client and a PC?

A classic PC (fat client) computes by itself and has a large hard drive or SSD. A thin client has little computing power and a small flash memory and connects to a server or a virtual desktop environment. It transmits only screen, keyboard, and mouse.

How do I erase the permanently soldered storage of a thin client?

By software, if that is possible. eMMC chips, however, are often permanently mounted on the circuit board. If they cannot be erased by software, only physical destruction of the memory remains. Beforehand you should unenroll the device in the management software.