PXES

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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 that supports building thin clients. It may be used to boot (diskless) workstations over a network using PXE. It is also possible to boot PXES from a CDROM or hard disk if the NIC or BIOS does not support PXE. A graphical tool guides the user through the required steps. The PXES project has merged with 2X Software, who are merging PXES with the 2X ThinClientOS. Distribution of PXES will remain free.

After booting, the thin client is capable of accessing a Unix/Linux XDM (X Display Manager) server presenting the graphical log-in screen or a Microsoft RDP server, Citrix ICA server, VNC server, NoMachine NX or FreeNX server.

This approach does not use NFS (Network File System). This makes it possible to access Microsoft Terminal Services without 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, the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) may be reduced with clients as thin as possible. If such devices are needed, the clients may be configured to use sound, local print services, USB, CD-ROM, etc. Because of the simplicity of a thin client workstation, they may be credited with producing less noise, using less energy and encountering fewer failures due to mechanical part failure.^{[citation needed]}

A summary of facts during PXES lifetime may be found in the PXES museum

As of September, 2005 latest stable release is version 1.0.