"Thin client" is a low-cost, centrally-managed computer devoid of CD-ROM players, diskette drives, and expansion slots. The term derives from the fact that small computers in networks tend to be clients and notservers. Since the idea is to limit the capabilities of these computers to only essential applications, they tend to be purchased and remain "thin" in terms of the client applications they include.
The term "thin client" seems to be used as a synonym for both the NetPC and the network computer (NC), which are somewhat different concepts. The Net PC is based on Intel microprocessors and Windows software (Intel was a leader in defining the Net PC specification). The network computer (NC) is a concept backed by Oracle and Sun Microsystems that may or may not use Intel microprocessors and uses a Java-based operating system. The increased numbers of thin clients in today's workplace and educational facilites reflects a corporate and institutional need for low-cost computers dedicated to Internet use.