Three categories of remote computing (client/server) in use and development today are the Network Computer (Java), the Web Browser interface, and Remote Screen/Keyboard. The Remote Screen/Keyboard model offers the greatest flexibility, the 'thinnest clients': and the strongest immunity to the need for upgrades to users' terminals. It also allows the use of lightweight, ultra-portable, wireless terminals while still providing access to the most complex applications (including Internet access, corporate information systems, and E-mail), and to all the files normally available from a user's desktop computer. The terminals control users' Virtual Personal Computers, which reside on servers in the network. The authors have constructed a test system with which users satisfy their computing needs using terminals ranging from one to six pounds, connected by a variety of wireless and wireline means. Performance and usage statistics collected so far, along with coming wireless packet data systems, suggest that the Virtual Personal Computer/Portable Network model is attractive to users and will soon be economically viable.
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