Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

VMware ThinApp VS Thinstation

Compare VMware ThinApp VS Thinstation and see what are their differences

VMware ThinApp logo VMware ThinApp

Speed up application deployment and migration with VMware ThinApp, an agentless application virtualization solution. Learn how it works.

Thinstation logo Thinstation

Thinstation is a basic and small, yet very powerful, open source thin client operating system...
  • VMware ThinApp Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-27
  • Thinstation Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-01

VMware ThinApp features and specs

  • Portability
    ThinApp packages applications into single executable files, making it easy to move them across different machines and environments without the need for installation.
  • Isolation
    Applications virtualized with ThinApp run in isolated environments, which prevent conflicts with other applications and the underlying system.
  • Compatibility
    ThinApp supports legacy applications and can ensure they run on newer operating systems without modification.
  • Simplified Deployment
    Since applications do not need to be installed, deploying software across an organization becomes a faster and simpler process.
  • Security
    By isolating applications and data, ThinApp enhances security, reducing the risk of malicious software impacting the system.
  • No Dependencies
    Applications packaged with ThinApp are self-contained and do not require external dependencies, eliminating common installation issues.

Possible disadvantages of VMware ThinApp

  • Performance Overhead
    Virtualizing applications can introduce a performance overhead, which may affect the speed and responsiveness of the applications.
  • Complexity
    The initial setup and packaging process can be complex and may require a learning curve for administrators unfamiliar with the tool.
  • Licensing Costs
    ThinApp is a commercial product and comes with licensing fees, which may be a consideration for budget-constrained organizations.
  • Limited Support for Complex Applications
    Some complex applications with heavy integration into the OS may not fully adhere to virtualization, causing functional limitations or requiring additional configuration.
  • Lack of Real-Time Updates
    Since ThinApp packages applications as static executables, any updates to the application require re-packaging and redeployment.
  • Compatibility Issues
    There may be certain edge cases where virtualized applications show compatibility issues with specific system configurations or other virtualized applications.

Thinstation features and specs

  • Lightweight
    Thinstation is a minimal and efficient operating system designed to turn PCs into thin clients. Its low resource requirements allow it to function smoothly on older hardware.
  • Open Source
    Being open source, Thinstation provides the flexibility for users to modify and customize the source code according to their needs or preferences.
  • Wide Protocol Support
    Thinstation supports a wide range of connection protocols like RDP, Citrix ICA, VMWare View, and more, making it versatile for various environments.
  • Centralized Management
    It allows centralized management of client configurations, making it easier for administrators to deploy and manage multiple thin clients.
  • Cost-Effective
    Using Thinstation can significantly reduce costs associated with hardware upgrades and licensing fees for full operating systems on client machines.

Possible disadvantages of Thinstation

  • Limited Local Capabilities
    As a thin client OS, Thinstation relies heavily on server infrastructure, which might not meet the needs where extensive local computing is required.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Setting up and configuring Thinstation can be complex, particularly for users unfamiliar with Linux-based systems and thin client environments.
  • Dependency on Network
    Since Thinstation operates primarily as a thin client, a stable and fast network connection is crucial. Any network issues can significantly impact performance.
  • Limited Peripheral Support
    Thinstation may have limited support for certain peripherals, which can restrict its use in specialized applications requiring specific hardware connections.
  • Community Support
    Being a less mainstream solution, Thinstation may have a smaller community for support and troubleshooting, potentially making it harder to find help.

Analysis of VMware ThinApp

Overall verdict

  • VMware ThinApp is a solid product and stands out as a powerful solution in the realm of application virtualization. Its features make it particularly useful for businesses looking to reduce application conflicts and manage legacy applications on modern operating systems.

Why this product is good

  • VMware ThinApp is a reliable application virtualization tool that helps streamline application deployment, reduces conflicts between applications, and enhances application security by isolating them from the underlying operating system. Users appreciate its ability to package applications into single executable files without requiring an agent on target devices, making it an efficient choice for many enterprises seeking robust application management solutions.

Recommended for

  • Organizations seeking to deploy legacy applications on newer operating systems.
  • IT departments aiming to simplify application deployment and management.
  • Companies looking for agentless, lightweight application virtualization solutions.
  • Environments that require isolation to enhance application security and minimize conflicts.

VMware ThinApp videos

Creating and Deploying USB Portable Applications with VMware ThinApp.mp4

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Make Portable Applications With VMware ThinApp [EASY]
  • Tutorial - How to Create a Portable Application with VMware Thinapp Enterprise?

Thinstation videos

How to Install Thinstation 5.5 on Hard Drive + Build Thin Client ISO Image on VMware Workstation

More videos:

  • Review - Getting Started with ThinStation

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to VMware ThinApp and Thinstation)
Monitoring Tools
74 74%
26% 26
Development
0 0%
100% 100
Email Marketing
100 100%
0% 0
Cloud Computing
42 42%
58% 58

User comments

Share your experience with using VMware ThinApp and Thinstation. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Thinstation seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 7 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

VMware ThinApp mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of VMware ThinApp yet. Tracking of VMware ThinApp recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Thinstation mentions (7)

  • OpenSource Thin Client?
    What about ThinStation? That can apparently bootstrap enough components to talk to Citrix, Redhat, Windows, VMWare Horizon, etc... Apparently even telnet, VMS and SSH if you're feeling really nostalgic. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Ubuntu server with Dump linux based terminals
    For your old clients, I guess that ThinStation will be fine, either you're using ThinLinc or other kind of remote access. https://thinstation.github.io/thinstation/. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Low power SFF PC to use as a thin client, that has four video outputs?
    Oh wow that'd be really great of you. ThinStation is what I've been looking at. But if the aren't locked down it should work. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Windows 10 to automatically log in and run remote desktop login, disable all other apps.
    I think that I've read good quality suggestions, but... Why waste a Windows license for it to work as a thin client? Try installing Thinstation - https://thinstation.github.io/thinstation/ (or make the computer boot it from network!). Source: about 4 years ago
  • Looking to set up a few of these Wyse clients... Advice? See comment.
    I hate ThinOS. Try to install anything else if you can. Thinstation is free. LTSP network boots its clients. Source: about 4 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing VMware ThinApp and Thinstation, you can also consider the following products

Cameyo - Cameyo is a software program that can turn another piece of software into a portable app. This allows individuals to use a browser to run programs on a Windows system without installation.

LTSP - The Linux Terminal Server Project adds thin-client support to Linux servers.

Sandboxie - Sandboxie is a program for Windows that is designed to allow the user to isolate individual programs on the hard drive.

DRBL - DRBL (Diskless Remote Boot in Linux) is a free software, open source solution to managing the...

Shadow Defender - Shadow Defender is an easy-to-use PC/laptop security and privacy protection tool for Windows operating systems. DownloadShadow Defender is an easy-to-use PC/laptop security and .

JauntePE - JauntePE