Executive summary
Windows-based thin client environments that include more than the typical virtualized desktop scenario and/or require
writes to the local storage device should be carefully evaluated and may need a higher endurance and/or larger capacity
local storage device.
This paper provides considerations for selecting the appropriate storage device and recommendations from HP for optimal
performance and data accessibility.
Introduction
Flash-based drives, or solid-state drives (SSDs), are the primary operating system (OS) storage media for thin clients
supporting a highly virtualized operating environments. Thin clients display a hosted session from a data center through
standard IP networks which minimizes the required size of local flash-based storage. In a traditional thin client environment,
data is stored securely in the remote data center and not in the local storage device.
HP thin client computers use two types of flash memory: single-level cel (SLC, 1-bit per cel ) and multi-level cel (MLC, 2-
bits per cel ). SLC flash memory provides an economical solution when supporting 4 GB and smaller capacities. MLC flash
memory can support 8 GB and greater capacities at a lower cost than SLC flash memory. HP thin client offerings with
Windows Embedded Standard 7E and newer Windows operating systems come with a minimum of 16 GB SSD. Because the
classic thin client use cases seldom require writing to flash memory storage, multi-level cel (MLC) flash memory is used to
provide the best cost and performance. However, several factors are driving an increased storage size requirement and
therefore the use of larger-capacity local storage devices. These include the following:
• Growth of Windows® Embedded operating system images
• Increased size of Windows updates
• Increased usage of local applications and local data storage
• Increased use of thin clients in non-typical environments and use cases (e.g. desktop PC replacement)
If your environment requires more than the typical virtualized desktop scenario and/or has a unique need to routinely write
to the local storage device, HP recommends carefully considering the storage technology needed to support this unique
environment. New innovations available for some MLC SSD devices have enhanced the durability at a reasonable price point.
Considerations for selecting storage devices
Operating system write filter enablement
Thin clients running Windows Embedded operating systems include a write filter which is enabled by default and prevents
writes to the local flash memory storage. Thin clients are protected from accidental writes when this write filter is enabled,
as indicated by a green lock icon in the system tray. With the Enhanced Write Filter enabled, thin client users cannot commit
updates to the flash memory storage thereby protecting the system from malware and viruses. If a virus or other issue is
detected, a simple reboot can clear it. Disabling the write filter (including using the File-Based Write Filter) can result in
damage to your storage device over time if the device does not have the capacity for the number of write/erase (also known
as program/erase) cycles.
Operating system size
You should careful y consider the storage requirements of your operating system and deployed applications. Newer
Windows operating systems might require increased storage capacity because of their larger image sizes. For example, thin
clients running Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry requires a 32 GB storage solution to ensure enough free capacity for the
operating system and its future updates. Extreme workload cases might require an even a higher endurance storage
solution, a larger storage solution or a traditional spinning hard drive solution.
NAND flash and flash controllers
Technology continues to evolve, particularly in the flash storage market. The latest NAND flash lithographics are shrinking,
so it has fewer electrons available to store the information. However, better, smarter control ers are minimizing the
number of writes that NAND flash experiences resulting in improved product reliability. Some MLC devices are capable of
using only half of the 2-bit cel , and this innovation enhances the lifecycle by factor of 5. These devices are cal ed Ultra MLC
(uMLC) flash. For operating environments which need to regularly write to flash, this offers more robustness than standard
MLC at significantly lower cost than SLC.

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Otros modelos de este manual:
Computadoras - HP mt40 Mobile Thin Client (404.82 kb)
Computadoras - HP mt40 Mobile Thin Client (ENERGY STAR) (404.82 kb)
Computadoras - HP mt41 Base Model Mobile Thin Client (404.82 kb)
Computadoras - HP mt41 Mobile Thin Client (404.82 kb)