network computer

(1) A computer in the network.

(2) A method for managing personal computers in the late 1990s that never caught on. However, the concept continues to evolve using regular PCs rather than specialized network computers (NCs).

The network computer was a "thin client" that downloaded all applications and data from the network and stored all updated data back on the server. NCs were touted as "the" way to reduce computer maintenance costs due to centralized administration and lower-cost workstations. Its major proponents were Sun and Oracle, and Oracle subsidiary, Network Computer, Inc. licensed the specification for building compliant machines (see NCRP and Liberate).

Java-Based Machines
NCs were designed to run stand-alone Java applications as well as Java applets from a browser. Several NCs were developed, mostly running a compact operating system that was booted from the server along with the Java Virtual Machine. Using software from Citrix, NCs could also function like dumb terminals connected to a Windows NT or 2000 server.

What Happened?
Hyped as the death knell for Windows PCs, the price of PC hardware was dropping exponentially, and the cost difference between NCs and PCs quickly became negligible. In addition, Windows was heavily entrenched, and Java was just beginning to establish itself. Subsequently, variations of "thin client" computing were used on Windows PCs (see cloud computing, Citrix Presentation Server, Windows Terminal Server and NetPC).

Not Yet

Although touted as a revolution, after a couple years, the network computer was not making an impact; witness this 1998 column from the Philadelphia Inquirer. (Article headline courtesy of the Philadelphia Inquirer.)

Sun JavaStation NC

Sun was one of the first to introduce a Java-based network computer. (Image courtesy of Sun Microsystems, Inc.)

IBM Network Station

IBM's network computer was a versatile unit in IBM shops, providing both Web and mainframe connectivity. (Image courtesy of International Business Machines Corporation. Unauthorized use not permitted.)

Wyse Winterm

Wyse had a combo NC and Windows terminal. Using software that turned an NT server into a timeshared central computer, Windows applications were run in the server and only screen changes were sent to the Winterm clients. (Image courtesy of Wyse Technology.)