ThinLinc

ThinLinc is software for centrally hosting Linux desktops and applications for remote access. It is best suited to organizations serving Linux workloads, including demanding EDA and CAD work, to users in different locations. Its server-side resilience and security features make it a capable fit for managed deployments, though the free license is capped at ten concurrent users and there are no mobile apps.

Overview

ThinLinc runs Linux desktops and applications in a data center or cloud, rather than on each user’s device. That makes it a practical choice for organizations that want to centralize demanding Linux workloads and provide access from varied locations. Cendio says its customers are mainly in industrial, educational, and healthcare sectors.

Connections use SSH tunnels and TLS, and clients receive encrypted pixels. The server feature set includes high availability, fail-over, clustering, and load balancing, as well as multiple sessions per user and single-application publishing. This is a stronger fit for managed, multi-user environments than for someone looking for a basic way to control one computer.

Key features

• Linux application and desktop access: Central hosting supports remote access to Linux workloads, including EDA and CAD. Organizations can keep those workloads in a data center or cloud while serving users elsewhere.
• Resilience and session options: High availability, fail-over, clustering, and load balancing support deployments where continuity matters. Multiple sessions per user and single-application publishing provide options for delivering work without presenting a full desktop every time.
• Authentication choices: Password, one-time password, public key, smart card, and Kerberos ticket authentication give administrators several ways to fit access to their environment.
• Client access: Users can connect through Windows, Mac, or Linux clients, or a browser. The Mac client runs natively on Intel and uses Rosetta on Apple chips, so Mac users are supported but Apple-chip devices rely on translation.
• Open-source components: ThinLinc includes TigerVNC, noVNC, OpenSSH, CUPS, and PulseAudio. This component mix supports its remote-display, browser, secure-connection, printing, and audio functions.
• Security reporting: Cendio says it acknowledges vulnerability reports within two working days to discuss a recovery plan and potential publication, a defined response commitment for security reporters.

Pricing

ThinLinc has a free plan and paid annual subscriptions. The free license file allows up to ten concurrent users, a useful way to serve a small group without a subscription. The server supports three concurrent graphical sessions by default, so deployments seeking the ten-user allowance need the separate free license file.

Standard is the lower-cost paid tier for organizations with up to ten users; Premium costs more at the same stated user range. Free users receive community support, while email support requires a support agreement. Cendio also offers time-limited evaluation licenses and technical pre-sales support, which gives prospective buyers a way to assess the software before committing. Subscriptions are paid in advance.

Platforms

ThinLinc supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and web browsers. It has no mobile apps, so users who need native Android or iOS access should look elsewhere. Mac support includes Intel systems natively and Apple-chip systems through Rosetta.

Who it's for

ThinLinc is aimed at organizations that need centrally managed Linux desktops or applications for distributed users, especially those handling demanding EDA or CAD workloads. Its server features and range of authentication methods suit environments where administrators need deployment resilience and controlled access. It is less suitable for mobile-first teams, individual remote-control needs, or organizations that require email support without a support agreement.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Linux workloads can be centralized: Users can access hosted desktops and applications remotely, including demanding EDA and CAD work.
• Resilience features are built into the server: High availability, fail-over, clustering, and load balancing support multi-user deployments.
• Free access covers up to ten concurrent users: The separate license file extends beyond the server’s default three concurrent graphical sessions.
• Multiple access and authentication options: Browser and desktop clients pair with five listed authentication methods.

Cons

• No mobile apps: Users needing native phone or tablet access cannot use ThinLinc that way.
• Email support requires an agreement: Free users are limited to community support, apart from evaluation support through the pre-sales team.
• Apple-chip Mac support depends on Rosetta: The client is native on Intel but uses translation on Apple chips.
• The free allowance needs a separate license file: The server defaults to three concurrent graphical sessions, so the ten-user cap is not automatic.

Alternatives

Consider QVD if you need a virtual desktop option with listed Android and iOS platforms, or its free Community Edition aimed at developers and testers with GitHub community support. Hive Fabric may suit deployments seeking a free perpetual community license for one physical host and unlimited VMs. Ravada VDI is a free option for teams comfortable with self-hosting, Linux-based server administration, and KVM.

Hydra is another virtual desktop alternative. Kasm Workspaces may fit a small non-commercial deployment that can work within its free Community plan’s five concurrent sessions. Amazon WorkSpaces is an alternative with Android and iOS platform support and a listed Windows single-session user fee of $4.19 a month, plus provisioned instance-hour charges.

Citrix Workspace is another paid option. IsardVDI is a free alternative that its maker describes as open source, with code and collaborative development linked to GitLab.

For broader comparisons, browse Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Software or Remote desktop software.

Verdict

ThinLinc is a strong choice for organizations that need centrally hosted Linux desktops or applications, particularly for demanding workloads and distributed users. Its security controls, server resilience features, and free allowance for up to ten concurrent users make a persuasive case. Look elsewhere if mobile apps are essential or if you need email support without a support agreement.