What is network computer (NC)? - Definition from Whatis.com

Home
network computer (NC)

Definition

network computer (NC)

A network computer (NC) is a concept from Oracle and Sun Microsystems that describes a low-cost personal computer for business networks that, like the NetPC, would be configured with only essential equipment (including CD-ROM players, diskette drives or expansion slots) and managed centrally. Any new software would be downloaded. Unlike the NetPC, the network computer could be based on microprocessors other than Intel's and might include a Java-base operating system rather than Windows.

Along with the NetPC, the network computer is sometimes referred to as a thin client.

Related glossary terms: online, IT Survival Kit: Networking refreshers, downstream, TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), connection, wavelength, active network, ARPANET, frame, ELF (extremely low frequency)

Contributor(s): Kathy Chung and Paul S. Zimmerman

This was last updated in November 1999

Dig Deeper

Network technology trends for 2012: The big picture

Forrester Research analyst Andre Kindness shares big picture predictions for network technology trends in 2012: the rise of Huawei and why networkers need software skills
Women in information technology: Can there be equality?

At USENIX LISA 2011, a session on women in information technology raised eyebrows and questions. If the industry favors men, how do we achieve equality in the workplace?
Providing fastest Internet sharing speed for clients

Lindi Horton explains how to provide the fastest Internet sharing speed to a client when many users are trying to access the internet as well as potential issues and solutions.

People who read this also read...

Show me more

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.

Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

Research More Tech Terms

Search thousands of tech definitions
Browse tech definitions
Browse Alphabetically:
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- H
- I
- J
- K
- L
- M
- N
- O
- P
- Q
- R
- S
- T
- U
- V
- W
- X
- Y
- Z
- #

Powered by WhatIs.com

File Extensions and File Formats

File Extension and File Formats List:

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
#

Powered by WhatIs.com

More from Related TechTarget Sites

Enterprise WAN
Unified Communications
Mobile Computing
Data Center
Networking Channel

Enterprise WAN
- How to calculate the cost of VPN links
  
  Do you need to upgrade the bandwidth of your virtual private network (VPN)? Calculating link capacity will help control the cost of VPN links.
- WAN optimization Magic Quadrant: Bandwidth management is an old hat
  
  WAN optimization has evolved beyond bandwidth management, according to Gartner's new Magic Quadrant: Enterprises need cloud and mobile optimization.
- Hardware vs. software VPNs: Choose the right enterprise solution
  
  Deciding between hardware vs. software VPNs is the first step in narrowing down the best VPN solution for your enterprise.
Unified Communications
- SIP Forum to showcase SIP trunking interoperability for enterprises
  
  The SIP Forum has announced SIPconnect-IT, a live testing initiative for SIP trunking interoperability, which could lower SIP trunking costs and complexity.
- TCO metrics key, but complex in IP telephony systems deployment
  
  Total cost of ownership (TCO) metrics for new IP telephony systems are often overlooked by enterprises, according to a new study, but other factors rank high in importance.
- Avaya introduces iPad mobile UC appliation as mobility interest grows
  
  With mobile unified communications a major priority for enterprises in 2012, Avaya has launched a mobile UC product for the iPad.
Mobile Computing
- Bringing BYOD to your enterprise
  
  Bring your own device (BYOD) can be a boon for both employees and enterprises, but clear policies and management tools are needed.
- Meeting technical requirements for mobile health care deployments
  
  IT departments deploying mobile health care solutions must ensure that using mobile devices in health care settings doesn't violate federal laws or compromise security.
- Making the call: Distributed antenna systems and in-building wireless
  
  Distributed antenna systems and in-building wireless solutions are two options to improve wireless cellular coverage within an enterprise facility.
Data Center
- DevOps, Opscode Chef automate online auction site’s private cloud
  
  A darling of the DevOps crowd, the Opscode Chef cloud configuration and automation tool is now the central point of IT control for MercadoLibre’s sprawling online auction site.
- Data center experts push back on ASHRAE economizer requirements
  
  An addendum to the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 energy standard could ease energy efficiency requirements on anyone building or significantly expanding data centers in the U.S.
- Punch up database performance by reorganizing data
  
  A well-timed mainframe database reorg can result in much improved response.
Networking Channel
- Cisco Live London: 40 and 100 GbE switching and souped up WLAN
  
  At Cisco Live London, Cisco debuted 40 and 100 GbE line cards for Nexus and Catalyst switching lines, as well as a 4-antenna wireless access point meant to soup up the WLAN.
- Selling public sector IT solutions forces partners to do some homework
  
  The need for public sector IT solutions is growing due to developing network activity, but can partners must be ready to commit to longer sales cycles and other complications.
- IT asset disposal services offer secure data removal and piece of mind
  
  Channel partners can offer Ingram Micro’s IT asset disposal services to provide customers with secure data removal while remaining environmentally friendly by recycling devices.

All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000 - 2012, TechTarget