Abstract: A client terminal presents a graphical user interface (GUI) to a distributed computing environment. A first interface is configured to receive data of a portable storage medium. The data includes a key authentication signal and user settings. The key authentication signal identifies an authorized user of the distributed computing environment. A second interface is configured to communicate with an operably linked server. A controller is operative to verify the key authentication signal provided to the first interface in accordance with a distributed computing instruction set, and, upon verification, establishing communication with the operably linked server via the second interface. In this way, the server executes server side applications accessed by a user from the client terminal in accordance with the user settings.