Thin Client Overview (Windows CE 5.0)

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The Windows Thin Client design template provides the starting point for remote-desktop terminals through support for Microsoft RDP or other terminal software. Formerly known as Windows-based Terminal (WBT), the Windows Thin Client is a minimal version of Microsoft Windows CE that includes the Catalog items necessary to support a Remote Desktop device — including a constrained shell and Microsoft RDP. The Windows Thin Client has RDP and the possibility of including additional Catalog items, such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and local browser capabilities.

The Windows Thin Client device is a remote terminal that hosts client-side connections to a remote Terminal Server. It consists of one or more of the following technologies:

  • Device hardware running the Microsoft Windows CE operating system (OS) and a shell.
  • Remote Desktop Protocol Client.
  • Optional third-party emulators and presentation protocols

The Windows Thin Client also includes Windows CE Terminal Services Client (CETSC). This is software that enables the thin client to access Windows-based applications on the Terminal Server. This software is derived from the Microsoft Terminal Services Client (MSTSC) found on Windows-based desktop systems.

With RDP and optional third-party emulators and presentation protocols you can create two-way communication between a Terminal Server and its related clients. Or, you can develop your own emulator or presentation protocol software for use with Windows-based Terminals.

For information about third-party emulator or presentation protocol software, contact the software vendor that is associated with these products.

For information about the required Catalog items and Sysgen variables associated with this design template, see Thin Client Design Template.

See Also

Design Template Selection | How to Develop a Thin Client | Thin Client Security | Thin Client Design Template | Thin Client Hardware Requirements | Thin Client Software Requirements | Thin Client Registry Settings | OEM Adaptation Layer | Remote Desktop Protocol|Creating an OS Design with the New Platform Wizard

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