A client is a term used in computing to describe a computer hardware or software that interfaces with a server to access services, thus forming part of the client-server model.
There are many examples and applications of a client. A web browser such as
Google Chrome,
Microsoft Edge from
Microsoft,
Mozilla Firefox, or
Safari from
Apple is a web client that interfaces with a web server to retrieve and display web pages. Moreover, an email client, including free email services such as Gmail and Yahoo! Mail, retrieves email messages from a mail server.
Nevertheless, there are two classifications or types of client. These are thick client and thin client. A hybrid client is a third classification that combines the characteristics of both thick client and thin client.
Thick Client vs. Thin Client: What is the Difference?
A thick client is a client that performs functions independent of a serve. These functions include storing and retrieving data and programs or apps, and local processing. A thick client is also known as a fat client or rich client.
Personal computers connected to a local area network, virtual network or
cloud computing servers, or the Internet are a prime example of a thick client. It is important to highlight the fact that a personal computer must be used primarily in a networked environment for it to be considered as a thick client. Collaboration and
subscription-based programs or apps are other examples of a thick client, particularly if they are installed and processed in a particular computing device. Some examples of these apps include Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud.
On the other hand, a thin client is a client that is heavily dependent on a server for accessing data or retrieving files and running or processing programs or applications. The server does most of the critical workload that includes storage, retrieval, and processing. In other words, a thin client is critically dependent on the hardware resources of a server.
A personal computer can also work as a thin client if it is used for accessing programs stored on a server. Most thin client computers are lightweight in terms of hardware specifications. Web browsers and web-based apps such as
WordPress,
Google Docs, and web-based online games are also examples of a thin client. Devices used for media streaming such as Chromecast and Apple TV installed with streaming apps such as
Netflix or Spotify are technically examples of thin clients.
Essentially, designing and implementing a client-server architecture requires choosing between a thick client and a thin client or in other words, deciding if the client or server will handle the majority of the workload. Note that a client-server architecture based on thin clients can also be called a cloud-based architecture.
Advantages of Thick Client: The Drawbacks of Thin Clients
Below is a list of the benefits or advantages of thick clients. Note that these advantages also correspond to the drawbacks or disadvantages of thin clients.
1. Rich Graphic User Interface
One of the notable advantages of thick client involves the capability to deliver a rich graphic user interface. Examples of such interface include a fully featured operating system, immersive computer program or applications, and graphic intensive video games. Note that most thin clients are unable to render rich graphics due to limitations in processing or computing capabilities and available storage space.
2. Better Data and Program Processing
A prominent drawback of thin clients is their inability to locally process their own data and/or programs. On the other hand, similar to the capability of delivering rich graphic user interface, thick clients can perform resource-intensive data or program processing. Examples include running an app for editing video or audio contents, playing video games, data processing, and computer simulation, among others
3. Server Performance Efficiency
A client-server architecture based on thick clients does not need high-performing servers. This is because processing and other hardware functionalities transpire at the local or individual level rather than a centralized level. This advantage means less costs from buying, installing, and maintaining high-performing servers. In addition, this advantage also means that the server can support more users, thus translating to higher server capacity.
4. Can Work Offline
Independence from servers or a networked environment is another advantage of thick clients. Note that devices such as fully-functional personal computers are usable and remains functions. Thick clients do not require consistent network connection unlike thin clients that are heavily dependent on continuously interfacing with their servers. Of course, thick clients still need to interface with their servers, especially for sharing or synchronizing data with the entire network.
Advantages of Thin Client: The Drawbacks of Thick Clients
Below is a list of the benefits or advantages of thin clients. Note that these advantages also correspond to the drawbacks or disadvantages of thick clients.
1. Optimization of Hardware Resources
Fewer hardware requirements are one of the main advantages of thin clients when compared to thick clients. Remember that think clients depend solely on the hardware resources of the server. Furthermore, in a client-server architecture based on thin clients, there are fewer needs for cabling, bussing, and switching. This advantage also translates to cost-effectiveness. Thin clients are essentially more inexpensive to implement than thick clients.
2. Reduced Hardware and Software Maintenance
Remember that thick clients are standalone computer terminals with their own hardware resources and fully-featured operating system capable of running applications locally. This can be a disadvantage because maintaining these computers would involve attending to each computer for maintenance and updates, thus consuming time and incurring additional costs. Hence, another benefit of thin clients includes easier hardware and software administration, troubleshooting, system or application patching, security updates, and data migration.
3. Lesser Security Vulnerabilities
The fact that applications and files or data reside in a centralized location, specifically the server, means that they are easily administered, monitored, and protected through the use of hardware-based or software-based security firewall and other data protection mechanisms. There is a lesser chance of compromising software and data assets in case a single or several computer terminals malfunctioned or are stolen.
4. Cost Effectiveness and Efficiency
It is important to emphasize inexpensiveness as a notable advantage of thin clients. Remember that hardware resource optimization, reduced maintenance, and better security translate to cost
effectiveness and efficiency, particularly when compared to thick clients. This inexpensiveness is the reason why client-server architectures based on thin clients are commonly used in education and business environments where financial resources are of critical importance.
