Better Information Retention

 

 Network Computers

A network computer, sometimes abbreviated to NC, is a computer connected to a local area network. The term was first coined by Stuart Cheshire, who defined it as "a computer in which the operating system runs on a separate machine and is accessed over the network." While modern day computers can run on networks too (as they do), the term is generally associated with what are more commonly known as "thin clients". In this case, when you use your internet-connected thin client to connect with others via remote desktop software or similar programs, your computer and that of another user need only share one copy of the operating system. These thin clients often have less processor power than traditional machines running in full-time mode.

While not all modern day computers can be considered Network Computers, the concept is especially useful in the case of thin clients. An NC-like system has the advantages of allowing access to one's computer from a variety of different locations, while requiring only one copy of software to be installed and maintained.

Network computers were designed as an alternative to traditional mobile computing platforms (such as laptops). The design philosophy behind network computers was that software could run on servers instead of everyone having to have their own computer. One big disadvantage of this approach is that you are reliant on your IT department or internet service provider for any updates or fixes which need to be made.

Network computers were initially targeted at businesses, and small businesses in particular. Large computer manufacturers such as Apple were concerned that businesses would waste millions of dollars replacing Windows-based PCs with network computers. However, network computers did not catch on for the following reasons:

 All computer hardware has a limited life span. A machine that's running 24/7 is going to be considerably more prone to failure than one that runs only when needed.

Yet network computers lack the ability to run full-time on their own hardware. The operating system is stored on a remote server and is then accessed remotely by the network computer. The network computer doesn't even carry an operating system with it, so without a connection to the server, the machine is effectively worthless.

For the same reasons, upgrading or customizing a network computer through software is impossible. Only the hardware can be upgraded. There are also serious security concerns associated with allowing software to run on remote computers instead of local ones.

 The thought was that when businesses needed to upgrade their hardware, they'd purchase new network computers instead of traditional machines. But this turned out to be less cost effective in practice than some had hoped it would be.

Network computers are not to be confused with "thin clients". Thin clients are a specific style of network computer, which differs from NCs in that they can run full-time on their own hard drives (either locally or over the internet).

The nature of the internet access is different with thin clients, as they rely on a broadband connection instead of dial-up access. The requirements for a thin client in order to function include:

 The user must be able to access and configure the thin client from any internet connected computer. The user must also set up a remote desktop application and local software to prepare it for use by others. It is recommended that local software be installed on the thin client as well to allow accessing it from other computers.

 The user must have security in mind when preparing their thin client for use. The remote desktop application must be encrypted to prevent a hacker from gaining access and stealing intellectual property such as business documents. One of the first steps that a user should take with their network computer is to disable "guest" accounts and uncheck all other options which would allow access by others.

As of September 2008, there were about 5,000 network computers in operation in Weber County alone. This number is expected to increase as various businesses adopt the same technology for more efficient office locations and improved efficiency at home or in the office environment.

NOTE: Network computers did not replace traditional PCs, it simply allowed them to be accessed from anywhere. Network computers are still used. They are just less common, since most companies are now using tablets and other mobile devices to access files and allow remote work, which have the same or greater benefits as network computers but do not require the additional infrastructure for them to function.

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Two fictional networks and one fictitious computer company appear in the novel "The Bone Clocks" by David Mitchell, and the above study group is mentioned. One of the networks (after being taken over by evil corporate interests) is called The Network. The fictitious computer company is called Coccinelle, which is Latin for ladybug (French: "coccinelle") and a species of beetle.

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Conclusion:

As is seen, NCCs are a new way of getting data and/or files from one place to another. The user can opt to have the data stay on the server and access it from home or at work. This is great for files that change often such as reports and manuals. The system does not allow for upgrades or customizing software or hardware, so it is not for every business. However, the technology does have a lot of beneficial uses.