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I have one main, self-built computer that runs windows 7 with way more processing power and memory than it needs. I also have several underpowered laptops, my goal is to run thin clients on these laptops while still being able to use the "server" for everyday computing.

I have looked around for a way to do this but relevant information on thin clients is hard to find. The "server" is used by a lot of people so reinstalling the OS is not an option, and I do need to be able to use graphical programs. RDP is not an option because (unless I'm mistaken about the fact that RDP takes control of the host desktop) I need to be able, for example, be typing out a document on the "server" while my friend browses the web on the "client". Forgive my ignorance, I know very little about networking.

P.S. It would be helpful if any software is free

Hennes
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Devon M
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1 Answers1

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Thats not true, information on thin clients is actually quite plentiful.

A very easy way to achieve a thin client is by installing Linux on both server and client and then connecting to the server via an "ssh -Y" to forward graphical programs. You will quickly notice that the latency is annoying and will abandon the idea.

Mikhail
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    thin clients on a *decent* lan is workable. Heck, with the right protocol, its usable over random wan links. – Journeyman Geek Nov 09 '12 at 00:31
  • I don't know man. I have only seen it usable In 256 color and some god forsaken resolution. – Mikhail Nov 09 '12 at 00:59
  • RDP works fine, hell, the latest versions even support compositing. NX is blazing fast as well. I've also run chrome remote over the lan. x forwarding isn't the best protocol here – Journeyman Geek Nov 09 '12 at 01:09