Network terminals connect to a server or mainframe to input and receive data over a network. They usually contain a monitor and a keyboard, similar to a PC. Unlike a PC, all processing is done at the server. Network terminals are also called dumb terminals and thin clients. Special software can be used to turn a standard PC into a terminal.

Gather information about your server or mainframe before shopping for network terminals. List your requirements, including user interface needs and budget requirements. Some other things to consider when looking for a network terminals provider include:

1. Find network terminals software to turn a PC into a terminal.

2. Choose a thin client network terminal to save space and money.

3. Consider options like hand-held devices for portable processing.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out a network terminals provider of thin clients

Thin clients are small, diskless devices that connect to a server for processing and data input. Besides the device, users need only a monitor and keyboard. Modern thin clients include products from Hewlett-Packard and WYSE.

I recommend: Purchase a thin client from the WYSE store, which includes a 90-day evaluation, or from PCNation. Hewlett-Packard offers a variety of thin clients, with their recent purchase of Neoware, that run Microsoft Windows XP, HP ThinPro, Windows CE, ThinConnect or Linux operating systems.

Find software network terminals information

Software for network terminals include terminal emulation software and other programs that are used to create network terminals. Terminal emulation software enables a computer or hand-held device to act as a terminal for a mainframe application.

I recommend: Get terminal emulation software that is Windows Vista certified from Zephyr. Find terminal emulation software for Windows CE hand-held devices from Turbosoft. Terminal Service Agent, available from NsaSoft's Network Security Home website, provides network terminal services control and processing. NComputing offers software that allows multiple users to share a single PC.

Find Network terminals that are used or refurbished

Save money with a used, refurbished or open-box terminal.

I recommend: Get an open-box thin client from Tech4Less. Get a used or refurbished thin client from the HP Outlet.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check the return and warranty options when purchasing used network terminals. You may be subject to a restocking fee and will probably be required to pay shipping costs.
• •  Consider user needs before purchasing network terminals. If users need access to word processing, spreadsheet and other office productivity software, Internet and email, run terminal emulation software on a PC instead of a thin client or dumb terminal. You will need to budget for the additional costs of the PC and software.
• •  When choosing software from a network terminals provider, make sure that it is compatible with your mainframe or server operating system.