Which device has no local hard drive and relies on central storage?

Which device has no local hard drive and relies on central storage?

• A. Thin Client
• B. Thick Client
• C. Zero Client
• D. Workstation

Answer: (C)

This describes a zero client. A zero client has no local hard drive or operating system; it relies entirely on a central server or central storage to provide the desktop environment. The device simply handles input and display, while all processing, applications, and data live on the server. This setup is common in virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments, because it minimizes local hardware, simplifies management, and keeps data on central storage for security. If the network or central server goes down, the device can’t operate, which is a trade-off to be aware of. In contrast, a thin client may have a small operating system and a bit of local storage, allowing limited local processing or caching; a thick client/workstation has a full local OS and local storage capable of running apps independently of the server.

This describes a zero client. A zero client has no local hard drive or operating system; it relies entirely on a central server or central storage to provide the desktop environment. The device simply handles input and display, while all processing, applications, and data live on the server.

This setup is common in virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments, because it minimizes local hardware, simplifies management, and keeps data on central storage for security. If the network or central server goes down, the device can’t operate, which is a trade-off to be aware of.

In contrast, a thin client may have a small operating system and a bit of local storage, allowing limited local processing or caching; a thick client/workstation has a full local OS and local storage capable of running apps independently of the server.