network computer
C1+Technical / Business / IT
Definition
Meaning
A computer designed primarily to connect to a network to access resources, rather than having extensive local storage or processing.
A minimalist, cost-effective terminal or thin client that relies on a central server for most of its functionality, applications, and data storage.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is highly specific to computing and network architecture. It often implies a trade-off between lower local hardware costs and dependence on network availability and server performance. Sometimes used synonymously with 'thin client' or 'diskless workstation', though subtle technical distinctions exist.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Slightly more common in US tech literature, but equally understood in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [ADJ] network computer [VERBs] [NOUN].[NOUN] is hosted on a network computer.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific technical term]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in discussions of IT infrastructure cost reduction and centralized data security.
Academic
Appears in computer science papers on distributed systems and network architecture.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation outside of professional IT contexts.
Technical
Precise term for a client device with minimal local resources that boots and operates from a network.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The department plans to network computer the entire design studio to cut costs.
American English
- They decided to network-computer the call center for easier software updates.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form for this noun phrase]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form for this noun phrase]
adjective
British English
- We are adopting a network-computer solution for the new library.
American English
- The network-computer model didn't suit their offline workflow needs.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is not a normal computer; it is a network computer.
- A network computer needs a server to work properly.
- The company replaced its old PCs with network computers to simplify software management.
- While network computers reduce hardware expenditure, they introduce a single point of failure at the server level.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'NETwork' = it's caught in a NET, relying on the server. It's not a free-standing, independent computer.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COMPUTER IS A TOOL. A NETWORK COMPUTER IS A DEPENDENT TOOL (like a hose connected to a water main, not a standalone bucket).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'сетевой компьютер' for general 'computer connected to a network'. Use 'сетевой компьютер' only for this specific thin-client concept, or use 'тонкий клиент'.
- Do not confuse with 'компьютерная сеть' (computer network). The word order is critical.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'network computer' to mean any computer on a network (correct general term is 'networked computer').
- Confusing it with a 'server'. A network computer is a client.
- Capitalising it as a proper noun (it's not, unless referring to a specific historical product like the Oracle Network Computer).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a network computer?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A standard laptop is a 'networked computer' but not a 'network computer'. A network computer is a specific type of minimalist device designed to be dependent on a network for its core functions.
The main advantages are lower hardware costs, centralized management and security, and easier software updates, as everything is controlled from the server.
The biggest disadvantage is dependency on network reliability and server performance. If the network or server goes down, all network computers become unusable.
Yes, the concept is very much alive in modern 'thin client' and VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) setups, common in offices, schools, and call centers.