Introduction
The NCD ThinSTAR 400
terminal is a natural extension of the thin client capabilities
of an ordinary X terminal. It is extended because it provides the user with a choice
of hosts to which the terminal may connect. This differs from many X terminals
which have a single automatic host connection. However,
in addition to being an x11 server for UNIX hosts, the ThinSTAR terminal also
possesses a built-in RDP client (Remote Desktop Protocol - Microsoft RDP 5.0) for
connections to Microsoft Windows
based Terminal Servers - a type Windows based host. You may also maintain more than
one active session though a single terminal (within certain limitations discussed below).
Thus the ThinSTAR is more versatile and has access to
a much greater variety of computing environments than a typical X terminal.
Power
The terminal power toggle is located at the front of the ThinSTAR. The terminal's OS
(Windows CE) is
quite robust. There is no risk of damage to the terminal through a simple power down;
even when a session is in progress - although you will be disconnected from your session.
Terminal Menu and Starting a Session
Upon startup of the terminal the user is offered a list of hosts for which the terminal
is permitted to connect. Each host in this menu is designated with
a connection type - X or RDP.
Simply click on the host name you wish to use. The terminal will attempt to connect to
the host. If successful, you will be presented with a typical login prompt for a
userid and password. Enter these in the usual fashion. Your session begins.
Returning to the Terminal Menu During a Session
If at any time you wish to return to the terminal menu you may do so by using
the CTRL-ALT-END key sequence. This will return you to the terminal
menu without sacrificing your existing session. Here you may wish to activate
a second connection to a different host or return to your original session.
Switching from One Session to Another
If you are running multiple sessions on your ThinSTAR, the F11 and
F12 keys have been
configured to transfer control from one session to another. This mechanism is similar
to the CTRL-ALT-END key sequence which brings you to the terminal menu. As such,
it also does not
sacrifice any existing sessions which you have already started.
Before Leaving Your Terminal
When leaving your terminal for an extended period of time, check the terminal menu
and make sure that no menu items are listed as Active. If there are active sessions,
you should return to them and logout or at least use the End button on the terminal
menu to disconnect them. Otherwise another person could assume your
active session and access your personal accounts.
Known Problems