Frequently Asked Questions

Learn the essentials of the Samsung NC190/NC240 PCoIP monitor

Q: What is PCoIP technology? And how does a PCoIP monitor work?

A: Teradici PCoIP (PC-over-IP) technology is an innovative display protocol that enables the practical consolidation of all IT resources into a data centre, eliminates desktop maintenance of workstations, PCs and thin clients, and delivers an uncompromised user experience to each desk, anywhere, without incurring the security risks associated with transmitting data across a network or having data reside in remote PCs.

The NC190/NC240 PCoIP monitor provides ultra-secure access to your host PC or workstation over a standard IP network. The integrated PCoIP monitor fits conveniently on a desktop and allows users to take advantage of all of the high-resolution graphics, video, HD media and interoperability. The NC190/NC240 supports any user type from task worker to extreme 3D workstation in a single desktop appliance — an innovative alternative that delivers greater scalability than traditional thin clients.

Q: What is required to use the Samsung NC190/NC240 PCoIP monitor as a remote zero-client?

A: You’ll need to connect to a PCoIP-enabled host computer – either a computer with a PCoIP chip or a VMware View 4 setup running integrated PCoIP software.

Q: If I’m using VMware View, do I need PCoIP hardware in my server to use the NC190/NC240PCoIP monitor?

A: No – VMware View 4 integrates the software implementation of PCoIP technology for desktop virtualisation so dedicated PCoIP host hardware is not required.

Q: Can I use PCoIP hardware on the host computer and the PCoIP monitor in my VMware environment?

A: Yes – if you require high-performance 3D graphics or have other reasons for using PCoIP hardware on your host computer, you can use VMware View Manager 4 to broker your hardware-to-hardware PCoIP session.

Q: How do I connect keyboard and mouse, audio and USB devices?

A: Every PCoIP monitor has four (4) USB ports, a microphone input, a stereo audio input and a headphone output.

Q: Can I use a USB hub to connect more USB peripherals?

A: Yes, but this may interfere with PCoIP device-based authentication.

Q: Do PCoIP monitors support portrait (vertical) mode?

A: The Samsung PCoIP monitors pivot into portrait orientation but their resolution does not change. When used in conjunction with a PCoIP host card in the host computer, portrait mode is supported as long as the graphics card supports it (PCoIP technology does not rotate the image itself). Portrait mode is not yet supported on the PCoIP monitor when using VMware software on the host; this feature is planned for a future release.

Q: What is the difference between a thin client and a zero client?

A: Thin clients use standard CPUs, operating systems (typically an embedded Windows or Linux) and device drivers, so they typically require maintenance in the form of OS and driver updates, anti-virus and so forth. Zero clients have no CPU, application operating system or device drivers so they virtually eliminate desktop maintenance.

Q: What kind of CPU or operating system is in the PCoIP monitor?

A: There is no x86 processors or application operating system. There is only an application-specific PCoIP chip that knows only how to decode PCoIP traffic.

Q: Can I use a PCoIP monitor over a WAN?

A: Yes - the PCoIP protocol supports low-bandwidth, high latency WAN use.

Q: How can I use the PCoIP monitor from home over a VPN.

A:Yes, you'll have to connect the monitor to a VPN router?

Q: Can I access a VPN using a regular software VPN client?

A: No – because the PCoIP monitor has no CPU or operating system, you cannot run a software VPN client on it.

Q: How do I run anti-virus, anti-spyware, etc. on a PCoIP monitor?

A: You do not have to install malware on the PCoIP monitor (and in fact, you can’t) – with no CPU or operating system, the monitor is impervious to malware. Note that you should still use anti-malware on your host computer.

Q: How do I connect from a PCoIP monitor to my host computer?

A: When you turn on the PCoIP monitor, a connection dialog asks you to select a computer to be connected; once you make the selection, the monitor connects (either directly or through VMware View) and displays that computer’s screen.

Q: What happens if my PCoIP monitor turns off (or power fails) during my session?

A: If your monitor turns off during a session, all that happens is the monitor disconnects from the host computer – because the host computer is being remotely accessed, it continues unaffected (assuming its power is uninterrupted). When your monitor power is restored, you can reconnect and resume your work where you had left off.

Q: Can I set up a dual-monitor desktop with the PCoIP monitors?

A: Yes – every PCoIP monitor has a DVI output to connect a second monitor, which can be any standard monitor (it doesn’t have to be another PCoIP monitor).

Q: Can the PCoIP monitor also be used as a standard LCD monitor?

A: Yes – every PCoIP monitor has a VGA input that allows it to be used as a standard LCD monitors.

Q: Do PCoIP monitors support other remote protocols?

A: Yes, they also support Microsoft RDP.

Q: How can I manage a large deployment of PCoIP monitors? Are there management tools available?

A: Teradici PCoIP Management Console is a browser-based tool that displays status and connection information for your PCoIP zero clients including the NC190/NC240 PCoIP monitors and enables you to assign static connections (if you’re not using VMware), configure PCoIP parameters and update firmware. Each Management Console can manage up to 2000 PCoIP end-points and they can be managed by group. Contact Samsung or Teradici for details.

Q: How do I update the firmware in my PCoIP monitor?

A: Firmware can be updated through the PCoIP Management Console or by using the on-screen configuration setting, which is accessed by logging into the monitor’s IP address from a web browser. Firmware is available from Samsung or Teradici.