We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Networking

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Network Computer?

By Jennifer Voight
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 8,420
Share

A network computer, or NC, is one of multiple diskless computers dependent upon and connected to another computer that holds hard drive space or processes information. The term was originally trademarked by Oracle in 1996, but now refers to any arrangement of computers connected to a common server. Also called a diskless node, hybrid client, or thin client, a network computer is a diskless computer that lacks disk drives, depends entirely upon a server for information storage, and must boot from a central server each time it starts.

Although similar, diskless nodes and thin clients have distinct differences. A diskless node may do its own information processing, relying on the server at boot-ups and for more complex information processing. A thin client essentially relies on the server for boot-ups and all information processing. Thin clients process only their own user interface.

Network computer arrangements have various advantages over a computer network of workstations with hard drives. Network computers are cheaper to manufacture and less expensive to run and maintain. They are also easier to update because only the server needs to be updated rather than an entire network.

A network computer can be run with only basic software, cutting costs for the entire network. This efficiency may come with a price. Diskless workstations and thin clients may work more slowly when many workstations are in use, taxing the central server.

The original concept of a network computer came about shortly after the release of Microsoft Windows 95. Oracle attempted to develop a concept that would render Microsoft’s operating system obsolete by introducing a computer that had none. Instead, Oracle’s network computer would rely on Oracle databases for accessing applications and storing information. Oracle’s network computer would be much cheaper than Microsoft’s personal computer.

Unfortunately, the product was released before it was ready. Network computers ran slowly, and Oracle lacked sufficient infrastructure to support the product. Personal computer prices dropped, making them even more attractive to consumers and more competitive with network computers. Oracle’s network computers were unable to compete, and the product was deemed a failure.

Still, the concept was not completely abandoned, and other developers have used aspects of network computer technology to develop newer, network computer–like technologies, like the diskless node, thin client, and hybrid client. Netbooks and smartphones are examples of devices that use scaled-back operating systems and are used primarily for Internet access and applications that rely on Internet access.

Share
EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By Soulfox — On Nov 12, 2014

@Markerrag -- I'm nut sure there is much difference between a network computer and the terminal you mentioned. The only thing I can think of is that those old terminals had at least a rudimentary operating system and some other things built in so they didn't rely solely on the server for everything.

By Markerrag — On Nov 12, 2014

I well remember using a terminal back in the 1980s that didn't have its own storage or provide much else other than a keyboard and display. It relied on the server at that company to store files and, well, just about anything else.

How is that different from the network computer mentioned in this article? The two seem to be one in the same in spite of the fact the term "network computer" apparently wasn't used until 1996.

Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-a-network-computer.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.