Turn old PC into Thin Client for Free
By Trond Eirik Haavarstein 07/08/2009 – 11:16
This blog post will tell you how to turn an old PC into a unmanaged thin client, either you want to use VDI with VMware View / Citrix XenDesktop or e.g. login through Citrix Web Interface. Actually Thin Desktop® 2.3.2 was released in June, but they charge $26 pr device. So why pay for something you can make for free ?
All credits to the guy over at VM Junkie who made this blog “Making a Thin Client on Fat Hardware“. I have customized the scripts to boot into Internet Explorer shell for Web Interface login. Once you take a look at the scripts, you will be able to make whatever you like for your environment.
Why not use Linux Thin Client solutions ?
Linux Thin Clients do not support Citrix HDX technology, so if you want a really smooth user experience you will definitely go for Windows based Thin Clients.
This is just the first release, I believe we also could leverage Citrix Receiver technology using Citrix Merchandising Server to automatically update the unmanaged Thin Clients. This cannot be used on old computers with low processor & memory since you need IE7/IE8 and .Net Frameworks. Though unmanaged is a bit blurry in this scenario because you would need to add the machines to your domain and you do not get auto logon. Hopefully we will find a solution to this in the future when the big vendors start to implement Citrix Receiver into their Windows XP Thin Clients.
Downloads :
- Adobe Flash Player
- Windows Media Player 11
- XenApp Web Plugin Version 11.000
- ThinClientPC ScriptFrameWork
Instructions :
Install the software and unpack the ScriptFrameWork to C:\ThinClientPC. Customize the C:\ThinClientPC\WI\WI.cmd with your Web Interface address and the run C:\ThinClientPC\Install ThinClientPC with WebInterface.cmd
Usage :
The client will now automatically login and start IE as a shell in Full Screen (Kiosk mode). To login in as Administrator : Press Ctrl-Alt-Del, hold down Shift and select Log Off…
Note :
Please note that these scripts are provided “as is” and that using these is at your own risk. Please feel free to leave comments below regarding bugs & suggested improvements in future releases.
Click here to get free eBook “Citrix XenApp 5.0 for Windows 2008 – A Hands-On Guide“
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15 Responses to “Turn old PC into Thin Client for Free”
Nice post but just one comment. The title is misleading. Windows FLP is only available for customers under SA and that in itself is not free as we know.
By Claudio Rodrigues on Aug 7, 2009
You need SA for WinFLP…its far from free.
By Tony on Aug 7, 2009
Great article. I will be linking to it from my Blog. Thanks for documenting it!
By scott hahn on Aug 7, 2009
You don’t need Windows FLP to run these scripts, they work fine in Windows XP as well.
By admin on Aug 8, 2009
Nice, will try to make it work on a USB bootable Win PE 2.0 for our citrix users. win PE 2.0 is free is it not?
By Allan Herloev on Sep 14, 2009
Windows PE is not free, it’s just an stripped down version of Windows XP. Check here for info : http://windowsconnected.com/blogs/joshs_blog/archive/2007/02/05/creating-a-bootable-winpe-2-0-usb-key.aspx
By admin on Sep 14, 2009
VDI is an excellent way to make more use of your computer.
By VDI on Oct 30, 2009
Thanks for the post. This is great, but I find it strange the lack of people talking about the fact you are still using an XP license, with all it’s cost/maintenance just to get to another – desktop license.
Is there an option that eliminates this layer completely, for repurposed PCs? eg.
a la a Wyse ThinOS style layer?
By Bill on Mar 24, 2010
Hi Bill,
Most people have already payed for a Windows XP license. The problems with Linux have been multimedia/flash/usb support. This has now change, check out this Citrix blog : Receiver for Linux now optimized for HDX
By admin on Mar 24, 2010
Thanks. Yes, it’s not like they are going out purchasing another license, the main concern is the exposure footprint for viral outbreaks, and management headache (patches, maintenance). I just want to make sure I’m not missing anything obvious. Large investments in VDI go towards the back end, with essentially, a lot of the same problems remaining at the desktops, with only a new layer being added atop the existing one.
By Bill on Mar 24, 2010
Bill, why not deliver the image via CITRIX PVS each night and in the AM before people login have the AV perform its updates. Once a month month do MSFT Updates and apply the AV changes to the master image.
The utilities here are designed to promote moving the user towards smooth roaming experience. Where their actual desktop is VDI. Their login prompt is the CITRIX Web Interface.
By Toddler on Apr 1, 2010