Abstract

The rapid growth of the Internet has moved the focus of desktop computing toward network computing. Thin clients for the Internet, which include Network Computers and NetPCs, are vital in the new era of network computing. They can solve many of the problems in Client/Server computing and provide an expanded choice for desktop users. First will be outlined the general conception of Network Computers and NetPCs. Then will be indicated the differences between dumb terminals, and thin and fat clients. Next will be described the components of Network Computers and NetPCs, including software, hardware and a comparison. The relation of Java and Network Computers will be discussed in this project. Also the new technologies which are intended to improve Network Computers and NetPCs will be described. Push is a new technology that affects network transmission; therefore, push technology and the relation of push technologies, Network Computers, and NetPCs will be defined in this project. The markets for Network Computers and NetPCs will be reviewed and analyzed including current, potential, and future markets. Finally, the conclusions of this study will be presented.