Five users, five kinds of device
Ana works at a desk PC. Ben uses a laptop on trains. Chloe has a phone and a smartwatch. Dev signs in to a workspace in his browser. Eva has a thin box on her desk and nothing else.
They all raise tickets. Support must know each kind of device to help.
Key words
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Thick client | a full PC that runs programs and stores files itself |
| Thin client | a small device that relies on a server to run programs |
| Cloud workspace | a desktop or set of tools that you use over the internet |
| Licensed | paid for, with permission to use |
| Mobile device | a small, portable device such as a phone or tablet |
| Wearable | a device you wear, such as a smartwatch |
| E-reader | a device for reading books on a screen |
| Server | a computer that provides a service to others |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
By the end of this lesson
Note
I can name the types of end user device and say how a support system helps with each.
Starter
Have a go
Starter
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.
Desktops: thick and thin clients
A thick client is a full PC. It has its own processor, memory and storage. It runs programs on the spot, so it works even if the connection is slow.
A thin client is a small, cheap box. It shows a screen that a server runs. It needs a good connection. But it is easy to look after, because the work happens in one place.
Cloud workspaces: free and paid
A cloud workspace is a set of tools you use over the internet. You sign in from any device.
A free workspace costs nothing but has limits, such as storage. A paid licensed workspace costs per user each month, and gives more storage, support and control. A company usually pays, so it can manage its staff.
Desktops, laptops and mobiles compared
| Device | Where used | Typical support issue |
|---|---|---|
| Thick client desktop | At a desk | Software fault, full disk |
| Thin client | At a desk, with a server | Cannot reach the server |
| Laptop | Anywhere | Battery, updates, lost connection |
| Tablet | In class, on site | App will not open |
| Smartphone | Everywhere | Email will not sync |
| Wearable such as a smartwatch | On the wrist | Will not pair with the phone |
| E-reader | Reading | Will not load a book |
| Cloud workspace | Any device with a browser | Cannot sign in |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
Check: devices
Have a go
Check: devices
4 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.