Etäispäätteet

Etäispäätteet, often translated as "remote terminals" or "thin clients," are computing devices that rely heavily on a central server for their processing power and data storage. Unlike traditional personal computers, etäispäätteet have minimal local hardware and software. Their primary function is to act as an interface for users to access and interact with applications and resources running on a server. This architecture allows for centralized management, simplified deployment, and often lower hardware costs per user.

The concept of etäispäätteet is not new, with early forms appearing decades ago in mainframe computing environments. However, with advancements in networking and server technology, they have seen a resurgence in modern IT infrastructures, particularly in enterprise settings. They are often used in environments where a large number of users require access to the same applications, such as call centers, educational institutions, or shared workstations.

Key characteristics of etäispäätteet include a lack of local operating system for extensive user interaction, limited storage capacity, and reliance on network connectivity to communicate with the server. This design prioritizes security and manageability, as data and applications reside on the central server, reducing the risk of data loss on individual devices and simplifying software updates and maintenance. The user experience is largely dictated by the server's performance and the network bandwidth.