Introduction | Advantages | Standards | Software | Security
Communications | Objections | Conclusion | References

The promise of the NC lies in it's low cost, ease-of-use, flexibility, and reduced maintenance costs. The first generation of NCs are expected to costs approximately $500, with lower prices for NCs which substitute a monitor with a TV. There are currently some companies which are developing Internet appliances (network computers) for use with televisions. For more information on the first of such companies, please visit the WebTV homepage (http://www.webtv.net). Another cost advantage of the NC is lower cost in installation fees. It has been estimated that "the cost of a network computer based Internet installation is 57% less than that of a system built around standard desktop PCs."

Another significant advantage of the NC is the ease of use. According to Oracle, most computer users only use a word-processor, send email, create presentations, and develop spreadsheets, and the network computer could easily provide such services, without the user having to have bulky software packages residing on their systems. When a user wishes to type a letter, all he or she would have to do is to turn the computer on and start typing. The same user-interface (web-browser) would operate all programs, thus eliminating the learning curves of many applications.