hp desktop pcs, choosing the best Windows desktop platform for large and medium-size business and organizations (Microsoft)

6 Microsoft Windows White Paper
Windows 98
Windows 98 is a smart upgrade for desktops that cannot be moved to Windows NT Workstation 4.0. In addition to
thousands of refinements, Windows 98 is easier to deploy and support than Windows 95, and enables a new generation
of innovative hardware. Highlights, as compared to Windows 95, include:
• Easier to support. Windows 98 features several troubleshooting wizards, including the System Information Utility,
registry checking, Version Conflict Manager and a Maintenance Wizard. With such support tools in place, Microsoft
estimates that Windows 98 will reduce Helpdesk calls as much as 15 percent compared to Windows 95, according
to a soon to be released study.
• Easier to deploy. In addition to the operating system’s new upgrade tools that provide an easy transition from
Windows 95, a new Image Preparation Tool provides “disk image copying,” which allows users to create a standard
desktop setup.
• Support for new hardware. Windows 98 natively supports the new generation of hardware including Universal
Serial Bus (USB) and OnNow, as well as the latest generation of Plug and Play and power management hardware
devices.
Windows-Based Terminals and Terminal Server
With its focus on single application scenarios, thin clients are rarely appropriate replacements for full capability PCs. For
example, studies show that performance on thin-client architecture degrades quickly in a typical business environment
(i.e. office productivity applications with frequent multitasking and minimal graphics). Terminal Server runs Windows-
based applications centrally on the server, sending only the application display output to a variety of client devices.
However, Microsoft recommends two scenarios where thin clients can be effectively deployed:
• Dedicated, single application devices. New Windows-based Terminals, typically priced under $500, give “task
workers” (single application users) access to the power, flexibility, and manageability of 32-bit Windows-based
applications running in the Windows NT Server 4.0 environment. For such single application users, legacy PCs also
can be converted effectively into dedicated devices.
• “Stepping stone” for legacy PCs. (Legacy PCs connected to Microsoft Windows Terminal Server.) This system can
run all applications locally—or run some applications locally (such as Microsoft Office) and some applications (such
as a frequently updated line of business software) remotely from a Terminal Server. In this case, the workplace PCs
may run older 16-bit Windows-based applications locally but users also have access to full 32-bit Windows-based
applications. Microsoft recommends this scenario as an interim step until legacy PCs can be replaced with new PCs
running Windows NT Workstation 4.0.
More information on Terminal Server and Microsoft's thin-client strategy can be found on
http:/www.microsoft.com/ntserver.