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May 23, 2022

Why You Should Go Thin with Windows Instead of “PC-ing!

10ZiG Windows 10 IoT Thin Client versus Windows 10 PC

Choosing a proper Windows-based endpoint device for your computing environment might seem complicated with various other options out there. You might even think to just continue using your aging PCs to connect with, instead of considering a properly devised Thin Client endpoint – but, think again! You might actually want to invest in purpose-built Windows 10 IoT Thin Client devices when building or expanding your virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution and here are some reasons why...

  • Inclusive OS License – Including Affordable Hardware

The general cost savings comparing a Thin Client to a fat PC comes in many ways, from hardware to energy to IT support. Device affordability alone can be substantial when switching from traditional PCs to Thin Clients, saving hundreds of dollars per end user unit. The licensing of the operating system installed on a device can be an important factor when comparing a full Windows 10 license to a Windows IoT (included on Thin Clients). Windows 10 IoT Enterprise operating system is licensed to specific physical devices, which means each device can be reused with its license included, as the OS license and device come as one.

  • Unified Communications (UC) – Great Compatibility

Collaboration is huge for VDI end users, enabling them to work from anywhere and have virtual conversations from all over the world. With a Windows 10 IoT based Thin Client, you can be assured that it is stocked full of the latest Unified Communications tools with optimization to ensure smooth and jitter-free audio and video conversations. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco WebEx are just a few platforms on which Windows 10 IoT Thin Clients can deliver with the latest plugins.

  • Improved OS Stability – Receive Only Quality and Security Updates

Specialized systems, such as those that control medical equipment, point-of-sale systems, and ATMs, often require longer servicing options because of their purpose. These devices typically perform a single important task and don’t really need feature updates as frequently as other devices might. For these fixed-purpose devices, a long-term servicing channel is recommended since it’s more important that these devices be kept as stable and secure as possible, as opposed to them being up-to-date with UI changes.

  • Lighter OS Footprint Offering – Strip Out the Bloatware

The Long Terms Service Channel (LTSC) model prevents Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC devices from receiving the usual feature updates and provides only quality updates to ensure that device security stays up-to-date. With this in mind, quality updates are still immediately available to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC Clients, but you can choose to defer them by using a servicing tool.

  • Increased Security – Feature Unified Write Filter

The available Unified Write Filter (UWF) can also protect the Thin Client OS by prohibiting write actions to its local storage unless you, the Administrator, specifically allow it. To apply any critical security or driver patches, simply put the device in service mode. Reboot, apply patches, and after another reboot - you have the UWF re-enabled.

  • Restrict Unwanted Access – Shell Launcher Lockdown

UWF Wizard allows greater customization of your Thin Clients by giving your Administrators the ability to create a specific shell to launch a user’s desktop and run a single application at login. End users only get access to what they need and nothing more. It also gives system engineers and administrators a more controlled and secure desktop environment to set up and manage. This also helps to do away with antivirus requirements as risk is more lessened.

  • Less Support Calls – Custom Shell Mode

One of the biggest benefits of running your Windows 10 IoT device in a custom shell manner is that your desktop support team only looks after the OS and your VDI connection applications. They won’t have to combat ad-hoc, typical, everyday support calls where users have access to add, delete, or uninstall products. This is common with a standard Windows PC and often results in the desktop environment becoming unstable and, in some cases, unusable. This can’t happen with a Thin Client running in custom shell mode. The device just boots up, logs in automatically and launches your desktop VDI application, efficient, quick, and clean.

  • More Control – UWF Wizard Configuration

The UWF Wizard will also allow you to configure welcome, lock, and boot screens and a whole host of keyboard hotkeys and shortcuts. You can, for example, remove the power icon from the welcome and lock screen. This is useful if you want to prevent the user from powering off the unit if it’s performing as a public kiosk or digital signage product, and the physical power switch is out of reach


Why 10ZiG Endpoints & The (FREE) 10ZiG Manager™?

One of the most outstanding advantages of Windows 10 IoT Thin Clients over Windows 10PCs is when it comes to management. 10ZiG’s centralized management utility, The 10ZiG Manager™, is designed solely and remotely control and deploy Thin & Zero Client endpoints. Unlike PCs, 10ZiG Windows Thin Clients can be virtually and centrally managed and troubleshooted from one location, instead of IT having to try to do so by physically visiting each desktop workstation. From imaging, re-imaging, power actions, remote control, updates, machine configuration, and more, it does it all – management to deployment, and even reporting the condition and status of your devices. If you already utilize SCCM and/or Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune) environments, Windows 10 IoT Thin Clients can be fully managed using those platforms, too.

At 10ZiG, our Windows 10 IoT Thin Clients can be preloaded with a custom image, FREE of charge, before shipping. This customized build and production service makes for a seamless out-of-the-box type of deployment, ridding the setup time of a legacy PC, and cancelling out the need for multiple destinations for individual configuration. Related shipping and logistics for configuration become alleviated. And, in today’s ongoing pandemic-affected computing work environments, this is more helpful and really necessary than ever, as we continue to embrace flexible work set ups – home, office, and combinations of both. The choice that makes the most sense for VDI endpoints over PCs is 10ZiG Windows-based Thin Clients. If you want a small form-factor device, running a familiar but lean and secure build of Windows, that can be centrally managed at a fraction of the cost compared to legacy PCs – then yes, the choice is obvious.

About 10ZiG

10ZiG is a leading Thin & Zero Client endpoint hardware and software provider for VDI, Cloud, DaaS, and SaaS. We provide leading Intel and AMD based, Dual and Quad Core Thin & Zero Clients for VMware, Citrix, Microsoft, and other environments. 10ZiG offers free, no-obligation demo devices, best-in-industry Technical Support teams based in the U.S. and Europe, and provides for FREE, Cloud-enabled “The 10ZiG Manager™