Thin client

A thin client sometimes also called a lean or slim client is a client computer or client software in client-server architecture networks which depends primarily on the central server for processing activities, and mainly focuses on conveying input and output between the user and the remote server. In contrast and passes only data for communications and storage to the server. 

Many thin client devices run only web browsers or remote desktop software, meaning that all significant processing occurs on the server. However, recent devices marketed as thin clients can run complete operating systems such as Debi an Linux, qualifying them as diskless nodes or hybrid clients. Some thin clients are also called access terminals. 

Many people that already have computers want the same functionality that a thin client has. Computers can simulate a thin client in a single window or with a separate operating system boot-up. Either way, these are often called fat clients to differentiate them from thin clients and computers without thin-client functionality.
 
The thin client is a PC with less of everything. In designing a computer system, there are decisions to be made about processing, storage, software and user interface. With the reality of reliable high-speed networking, it is possible to change the location of any of these with respect to the others. The thin client is closely connected to the user interface.