What is X terminal? - Definition from Whatis.com

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X terminal

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X terminal

An X terminal is typically a diskless computer especially designed to provide a low-cost user interface for applications that run in a network X server as part of a distributed X Window System. Typically, X terminals are connected to a server running a UNIX-based operating system on a mainframe, minicomputer, or workstation.

X terminals (and the X Window System) appear to have been the forerunner for what is now generally called "network computers" or thin clients. The X Window System and X terminals continue to offer an alternative to Microsoft's Terminal Server product and their NetPCs.

Related glossary terms: system administrator (sysadmin), Internet, keystone jack, corporate area network (CAN), home server, LANDesk Client Manager (LDCM), HomeRF (home radio frequency), Zmodem protocol, 32-bit IP addressing, bus network

This was last updated in March 1998

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- Gnome Computers makes an X server that allows U.K.-made Acorn PCs to become X terminals.

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