Outdated thin client

Question

I have one main, self-built computer that runs windows 7 with way more processing power and memory than it needs. I also have several underpowered laptops, my goal is to run thin clients on these laptops while still being able to use the "server" for everyday computing.

I have looked around for a way to do this but relevant information on thin clients is hard to find. The "server" is used by a lot of people so reinstalling the OS is not an option, and I do need to be able to use graphical programs. RDP is not an option because (unless I'm mistaken about the fact that RDP takes control of the host desktop) I need to be able, for example, be typing out a document on the "server" while my friend browses the web on the "client". Forgive my ignorance, I know very little about networking.

P.S. It would be helpful if any software is free

Answer 1

Thats not true, information on thin clients is actually quite plentiful.

A very easy way to achieve a thin client is by installing Linux on both server and client and then connecting to the server via an "ssh -Y" to forward graphical programs. You will quickly notice that the latency is annoying and will abandon the idea.