Why use a kiosk rather than a PC?
How often does your PC need attention? Does it work perfectly every time you switch it on? Are you happy to let anyone use your PC? The answers to these questions reveal why kiosks are usually the best option for public-access systems.
A kiosk is really just a PC (or a MAC or a thin client) in a secure container. So why not save some money by simply deploying PCs? Here are some of the reasons...
A public access computer needs to be locked-down both in terms of its hardware and software. The hardware will eventually be damaged or stolen if it left unprotected. You could fasten down the PC, but how will you secure the keyboard and mouse? In a famous case study, a very large public access system in Australia was undermined by the widespread and repeated theft of mouse balls! Some users thought it was funny to remove them.
The software needs to be locked-down to ensure that it works the same way, reliably, day after day, for years if necessary. It must also be protected from hacking. This can, in part, be achieved on a PC, but it can be made rock-solid by using a touch screen or a special kiosk keyboard with all the function keys removed. A good kiosk will not allow unauthorised access to any method by which a hacker can take control of the computer.
But the most important reason to use a kiosk for public access systems is that many people are still intimidated by computers. They are frightened of using them - either because they do not want to appear foolish if they get stuck or because they think they will be conned into giving away money or personal details. A kiosk can be made to reduce these fears. It can be made really simple to use. It can be made to not look like a computer.
The software needs to be locked-down to ensure that it works the same way, reliably, day after day, for years if necessary. It must also be protected from hacking. This can, in part, be achieved on a PC, but it can be made rock-solid by using a touch screen or a special kiosk keyboard with all the function keys removed. A good kiosk will not allow unauthorised access to any method by which a hacker can take control of the computer.
But the most important reason to use a kiosk for public access systems is that many people are still intimidated by computers. They are frightened of using them - either because they do not want to appear foolish if they get stuck or because they think they will be conned into giving away money or personal details. A kiosk can be made to reduce these fears. It can be made really simple to use. It can be made to not look like a computer.
Products Group 2010