Windows Thin PC, described as "a locked down version of Windows 7 designed to help repurpose existing PCs as thin clients, extending the life of existing hardware," was released in an initial test build at the end of March, and a RC (Release Candidate) version followed in early May. The software was released to manufacturing last month.

A Jul. 1 post on the Windows for your Business blog by Karri Alexion-Tiernan, Director of Product Management for Microsoft Desktop Virtualization, says the software is now available. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Site by those who are part of Miicrosoft's Software Assurance volume licensing program, she explains.

In addition to what's mentioned later in this story, WinTPC gained various features in its RTM version as a result of customer feedback. According to Alexion-Tiernan, these are: international keyboard support; plus the ability to activate against a customer's existing Key Management Server (KMS) servers or to use Multiple Activation Key (MAK) keys.

WinTPC has muchin common with Windows Embedded Standard 7, the Service Pack 1version of which was finalized in March. For example, both are based on Windows 7, and both include RemoteFX (a set of RDP enhancements that gives thin clients access to theWindows Aero desktop, full-motion video, Silverlight, and Flash). 

The Windows Thin PC desktop
(Click to enlarge)

In addition, says Microsoft, WinTPC incorporates "a number of embedded- specific enhancements to help lock down public facing devices." According to the company, these include:

• write filters for creating stateless or semi-stateless environments
• suppression of unwanted dialog message boxes
• a keyboard filter for suppressing unwanted keystrokes such as CTRL+ALT+DEL, ALT+F4, Windows+L, as well as custom defined keystroke combinations.

There's a key difference between Windows Embedded Standard 7 and WinTPC, however. The former is generally aimed at manufacturers, who use it to create their own turnkey thin clients and other devices. The latter is apparently being pitched at enterprises with a strong desire to "roll their own" thin clients instead.

Also, the licensing details are different. Traditional thin clients must be licensed for virtual desktop (VDI) access via Microsoft's VDA (virtual desktop access) agreement, according to the company. Windows Thin PC, however, "will be provided as a benefit for Software Assurance customers," according to Microsoft.

The Windows Thin PC installer
(Click to enlarge)

According to a FAQ provided in PDF format, the licensing terms for WinTPC allow users to run only applications that fall into one of the following categories: remote desktop clients, management, security, or media players. Local execution of productivity applications such as Microsoft Office is not allowed, says Microsoft.

Alexion-Tiernan wrote in March that WinTPC images will be deployable and manageable via System Center Configuration Manager, just as Windows Embedded Standard 7 devices are. Write filter support will prevent user and application writes to disk, thereby improving endpoint security, she adds.

Further information

According to Microsoft, Windows Thin PC requires a 32-bit or 64-bit x86 CPU clocked at 1GHz or better, 1GB of RAM, and 16GB of hard disk storage. Those who are not part of the SA program can download a 90-day evaluation copy from Microsoft's Windows Thin PC website.

Interesting reviews of Windows Thin PC can be found on AnandTech and on BrianMadden.com.

Jonathan Angel can be followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

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