Also called a
Network PC, a type of
network computer designed cooperatively by
Microsoft and
Intel. In some respects, the Net PC is really just a scaled-down
PC since it is able to execute
Windows applications
locally. However, it also includes features to simplify connecting it to a
network and to administer it remotely.
Net PCs are based on the Wintel platform, but are configured to be as inexpensive as possible and to discourage users from configuring the machines themselves (the cases also are sealed to discourage users from altering the hardware). Consequently, they have no floppy disk drive or CD-ROM drive. They do have a hard disk though it's meant to be used as a temporary cache to improve performance rather than for permanently storing data. Configuration and management of a Net PC is performed through a network server and Microsoft's Zero Administration Windows (ZAW) system.
