Rich Client applications !

An application is usually described as a 'rich client application' to distinguish it from applications that depend on communications with a server. A rich client application generally has a more advanced user interface. For example, an application running on a local computer using its native graphical user interface components would be a rich client application. It is likely to be capable of doing most of the processing itself with perhaps infrequent communications with a remote server as required. In contrast, the same functionality may be provided by a series of web pages which have a more limited user interface (simply the available form components within HTML) and require a round-trip to the server each time a page of data is completed (usually by hitting a button marked 'Submit' or similar).

Compare using a local mail client (a rich client application) with the service provided by webmail systems for example (although the boundary is somewhat blurred these days with the use of AJAX on sites such as GMail -- this allows some processing to be done on the client). Any applications on your local machine that can be used without network access (to some extent) will be rich client applications.

The concept also extends to the entire user environment itself. 'Fat' clients are more commonly used these days and can operate without any network connectivity (think a usual Windows, Solaris or GNU/Linux desktop). In contrast, thin clients, such as the Sun Ray, do little computing themselves and receive direction from some remote server.

The word 'client' in the term simply refers to the fact that the application receives requests from a user, whereas interaction with a server indirectly generally takes place via a client application. It does not necessarily infer the presence of a server, and there usually isn't one with rich clients.

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Intel Processor Comparison

A brief comparison of the different processors made by Intel.

Intel Processor Comparison: Which one is right for me?

Intel is the brand that Dell uses in all of its computers. Apple now also uses Intel processors in the MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Mini product lines. There are many different options within Intel's product line, and this page is meant to help you clarify which is best for you. Newer processors will usually last you much longer than older ones, and generally longevity is the best choice when buying a computer. Remember, though, that Intel is not the only brand that makes processors. AMD's processors are often considered better and less expensive than Intel's, and have recently been added as an option on many Dell systems.

Core Duo--The Core 2 Duo is Intel's newest processor, and can be found in both PCs and new Macs. While not technically a "dual processor," each Core 2 Duo has a pair of processing cores in it. This helps optimize performance for things like gaming, video and image processing, and so on. It's also extremely useful for running many programs at once, without sacrificing any of your system's performance. Laptops with Core Duo processors tend to be more energy-efficient and thinner than ones without them.

Pentium 4 --The Pentium 4 is an older processor than the Core Duo, but it is far from obsolete. The Pentium 4 is one of the best processors for desktops, able to reach speeds of well over 3.0 GHz. The Pentium 4 is also available with "HyperThreading" technology, which makes it perform more efficiently when you're running many demanding programs at once.

Centrino Duo --Intel's Centrino processor is a combination of either the Pentium M (the precursor to the Core Duo) or the Core Duo, a model of motherboard, and a wireless card. While the set is nice, it is largely marketing on Intel's part and offers little performance boost over simply choosing a Core Duo and a Dell wireless card. The latter option tends to be less expensive and works just as well. Either the Centrino or any Dell wireless card will work with UWNet, the University's wireless network.

Celeron-- The Celeron processor is designed to be Intel's most cost-effective processor. It is their most basic, and thus slowest. While a Celeron may have a similar GHz rating to a Core or Pentium processor, the Celeron will be slower due to smaller amounts of cache within the processor itself. We do not generally recommend purchasing a computer with a Celeron processor, because they offer by far the least in terms of longevity -- while a computer with a Celeron processor will be less expensive now, it will need to be replaced at a cumulatively higher cost later.

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