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Directly on the thin client. Typically on the sales floor. They run Google Chrome and the Willey system. They can access the web, Gmail, and Google Drive, the HR portal, and they can print. They cannot access network drives, MS Office or other specialized software. They cannot customize their desktops.
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Logged into a VM. Typically in a warehouse, sales, or store manager’s office. They log into a virtual desktop. (also called RDS). Logging into a virtual is using the thin client as a “window” to a more powerful computer running in our Salt Lake datacenter. Users with a VM can do everything a thin client can do. Plus run Office and other custom software, save documents, access network drives, customize their desktop icons, etc.
Q. My Thin Client gives me errors, or kicks me out of my browser or VM. Why?
A. One big difference between a Thin Client and a traditional PC is the “write filter” mentioned above. On a thin client a small amount of memory is used to store temporary data while a user works. As you print, use the internet, or preview documents, everything is stored in that temporary space. Once it’s full, nothing more can run, and the Thin Client starts to slow down and you get errors. This is a tradeoff we make between the security benefits of the write filter and the usability of the Thin Clients.
Q. How do I prevent or solve these errors?
A. Thin Clients need to be restarted MUCH more often than PCs. The more heavily the Thin Client is used, the more often it needs to be restarted. Viewing video and opening multiple Google Chrome tabs in particular fill the temporary space VERY quickly We STRONGLY recommend rebooting Thin Clients once a day. If a client is heavily used it may need to be restarted several times a day. You can do this first thing in the morning, or on your way out the door. Whenever is most convenient for you.
Q. How do I restart my Thin Client?
A. There are three ways to restart your Thin Client when the time comes.
1. Through the Windows Start menu. Click the Start button → the arrow next to “Shut Down” → Restart
2. Hold down the power button on the front of the Thin Client for 5-6 seconds (until the light goes off). Then press the button again to turn it back on. Simply pressing the button puts the Thin Client into sleep mode, and will not restart it.
3. Pull the power cord from the back of the Thin Client and plug it back in. Unlike a PC, this will not harm a Thin Client. This cable will be a round connector. It’s located at the bottom or top of the back side of the Thin Client, depending on the model.
Q. What do I do if I think a Thin Client is broken, or it will not power on, or it’s having other problems?
A. First, try the old IT standby - Restart. Follow the above instructions. If that does not resolve the issue, each Thin Client displays support information on the desktop wallpaper in the lower right corner. (close all windows to see it). Many also have labels on the tower itself with a Thin Client number. Get as much information as you can: a description of the problem, the IP address of the thin client, anything you’ve tried, and a good phone number to contact you. Contact IT support. From a working system, or your phone:
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Email ithelp@rcwilley.com
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Log a ticket through the IT and PC Support section of the HR portal.
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If the issue is urgent call 151-3950 and we’ll look at it right away.
Q. Why do I have so many printers available on my Thin Client?
A. We use a program called PrinterLogic to automatically install printers in each location. This saves us a lot of time and work. It also makes the Thin Clients very portable. We can send them anywhere, and they’ll always have the printers they need. BUT...
You do have to take the time to choose the printer you want when doing a screen print from the Willey system, or printing from Google chrome.
Q. I want a cool virtual machine. How do I get one of those?
A. Since each user we put on a virtual machine is a significant recurring cost for the company, we want to make sure that there is a legitimate business need for each user. If you can do your work on a Thin Client, that is the most secure and cost effective way, and is our preferred solution. If you think you need access to computing resources or software a Thin Client cannot support, talk to your location manager. She or he can request a virtual machine, and IT will work with them to make sure that we meet your business need in the best way possible.
Q. Nice document Chris! But you didn’t answer my question. Where can I ask other questions about Thin Clients and virtual machines?
A. Open an IT ticket with your question, email us, or give us a call at 151-3950.