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PXES also known as PXES Universal Linux Thin Client, created in early 2001 by Diego Torres Milano, is a micro Linux distribution allowing you to build thin clients. It is mainly used to boot (diskless) workstations over a network using PXE but it is possible to boot PXES from a CDROM or hard disk if the NIC or BIOS do not support PXE. The configuration is made with an easy to use graphical tool which guides you through the required steps. The PXES project has now merged with 2X Software, who are merging PXES with the 2X ThinClientOS. Distribution of PXES will remain free.
After booting, the thin client will be capable of accessing any Unix/Linux XDM (X Display Manager) server presenting the graphical log-in screen or any Microsoft Terminal Server through RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), Citrix ICA server, VNC server, NoMachine NX or FreeNX server.
This approach doesn't use NFS (Network File System) making it ideal to access Microsoft Terminal Server with no need of deploying a Unix/Linux NFS server or accessing services over low speed connections presents in WAN (Wide Area Networks) or Internet VPN (Virtual Private Network) environments.
Because no local devices, such as diskettes, CD-ROMs or hard disks are needed, you can dramatically reduce the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) with clients as thin as possible. This means for example that you can reduce the virus and security incidents in your network to a minimum. But if you need such devices you can configure the clients to use sound, local print services, USB, CD-ROM, etc. Because of the simplicity of a thin client workstation, they are often credited with producing less noise, using less energy and encountering fewer failures due to mechanical part failure.
Most important facts during PXES lifetime are found in the [http://dtmilano.googlepages.com/pxesuniversallinuxthinclient PXES museum]
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