How to Setup Windows Thin Client

Create Windows thin clients in a few steps.

A thin client is a computer program that depends on another computer to use as a server. These are set up to share information across user interfaces when not all functionalities of a main client are needed. Thin clients also provide a single-point of failure directing any failure to the server. It also helps reduce power consumption since thin clients do not require as much energy as the main servers do. Setting up a Windows thin client requires a few steps to configure.

Instructions

Create the Platform

1. Open your "Platform Builder" application. Hit "File" and then click on "New Platform." Hit "Next." Select "CEPC x86" from the list of "Available BSPs" and hit "Next."

2. Select "Windows Thin Client" under the "Platform Configuration" page. Enter a name for your platform within the "Platform Name" dialogue box. Hit "Next."

3. Select your desired features within the "Applications and Media" page and the "Networking and Communications" page. Click "Finish" on the final page of the platform wizard.

Prepare to Build the Windows Thin Client

1. Click on "Build." Select "Set Active Configuration."

2. Pick the "Debug" build from the "Platform Configurations" list.

3. Click on "OK."

Build the Platform

1. Open your platform builder application.

2. Click on "Build."

3. Hit "OK."

Download the Thin Client OS Image

1. Configure your connection from your development work station to the Windows Thin Client Destination.

2. Create a boot floppy disk for the CEPC.

3. Click on the "Target" tab. Hit "Download/Initialize." Complete the wizard by following the instructions. Allow the wizard to complete and the "Terminal Connection Manager" to appear.

Test the Thin Client OS Image

1. Click on the "Configure" pane within the "Terminal Connection Manager" page.

2. Click on "Add." Select "Microsoft Remote Desktop Client."

3. Choose and enter a name for the connection and type in the name of the terminal server. Click "Next."

4. Follow the instructions given by the wizard to complete. Choose the connections you have configured beneath the "Connections" pane.

Tips & Warnings

• You need to have Platform Builder 3.0 to set up a Windows Thin Client. If you don't have it, you can get it by purchasing Windows Embedded CE through either Microsoft or a Microsoft business partner.

References

• MSDN: How to Create a Windows Thin Client Platform