Thin Client Operating System Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Thin Client Operating System Security - Essay Example In addition, thin clients have reduced downtime and significantly improved performance1. More importantly through is the fact that thin computers provide enhanced security as compared to desktop PCs. Thin client operating system describes a small size client OS which require much fewer resources as compared to fat clients which are much large and high resource dependent. This essay gives a critical analysis and discussion of the security implications which are related to systems such as Windows CE, Google Chromium and Linux which make use of the thin client operating system. Wide scale security threats and incidences are associated with machines or systems that are Windows based. It in this regard that thin clients have been described to be useful within networks of various organizations with a view of boosting their security. It is however important to note that thin client where originally developed with an aim of providing remote access to Windows which utilized them. Regardless o f this original function, it is notable that the concepts and protocols associated with thin client operating systems have helped many companies or organizations to significantly improve the security of their Windows. ... ilize thin clients such as Google Chromium, Linux and Windows CE allow the thin clients to access the central server of their networks for multiple or numerous user sessions. This is achieved through the capability of the thin operating system to utilize Windows Terminal Services. It is therefore notable that thin clients provide Windows which use them with multiple sessions which emanate from a central system3. This paradigm is similar to that of a mainframe computer. However the implication of thin client operating system on improved network security does not result from its ability to maintain an organization network which is composed of PCs that are Windows based. Instead, the role of thin operating system in network security is related or focused on the Windows servers which provide the main sessions for the network. It is important to consider though that there are drawbacks which are related to the application of thin clients to achieve remote desktops that are session based. The most significant of these drawbacks is network speed. It has been noted that even within a fast network, the application of remote access to desktops us significantly slower as compared to a PC. The reduction in speed is regardless of the security benefits which are associated with the remote access and as a result, organizations are mandated to make tradeoffs which allow them to decide on either the benefits associated with security or speed. The utilization of thin operating system by Google Chromium, Linux and Windows CE significantly reduces the overall costs associated with securing networks. Many organizations employ standardized and reproducible PCs with Windows within their system4. When thin clients are implemented in such systems and their networks, it leads to a situation