What distinguishes a thick client from a thin client?

A thick client is characterized by its ability to perform much of the data processing on the client side rather than depending heavily on the server side. This means that thick clients, often referred to as fat clients, possess significant processing power and storage capacity. They can run applications and handle data processing locally, which allows for a more responsive user experience because less dependence is placed on network connectivity. This is especially advantageous in scenarios where bandwidth is limited or intermittent.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of thick clients. For instance, while it's true that thick clients generally require more network resources compared to thin clients, this does not uniquely define them as it pertains to performance and processing capabilities; in fact, they can function effectively with lower bandwidth during operation. Additionally, thick clients are fully capable of connecting to central servers even though they can operate independently. While some thick clients may utilize flash memory, this is not a defining feature of all thick clients, as their primary distinguishing factor lies in their processing architecture rather than their storage medium.