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Net PC
Last modified: Thursday, April 24, 2003
Also called a Network PC, a type of network computer designed cooperatively by Microsoft and Intel. In some respects, the Net PC is really just a scaled-down PC since it is able to execute Windows applications locally. However, it also includes features to simplify connecting it to a network and to administer it remotely.
Net PCs are based on the Wintelplatform, but are configured to be as inexpensive as possible and to discourage users from configuring the machines themselves (the cases also are sealed to discourage users from altering the hardware). Consequently, they have no floppy disk drive or CD-ROM drive. They do have a hard disk though it's meant to be used as a temporary cache to improve performance rather than for permanently storing data. Configuration and management of a Net PC is performed through a network server and Microsoft's Zero Administration Windows (ZAW) system.
