Free Alternative To Internet Kiosk

[Clox]

I work in a public building which has internet access. Our license for the above software has just run out and we would like to avoid the high costs of renewal. Is there any free software out there which would perform similar functions? Namely allowing access to only certain programs, and no access to any files or settings etc.

Thanks.

[Nightwalker83]

Is it part of a business or a no profit group (church, etc)? If it is a business they should really buy their own software.

[Clox]

It is the local heritage society. It is a completely non-profit organisation.

Just out of curiosity though, what is wrong with businesses using free software?

[Nightwalker83]

Just out of curiosity though, what is wrong with businesses using free software?

Apart from it being looked down upon I don't know! I think the creators of the software feel that they should get the money that deserve for all the extra features that would be in a business version of software compared to a home version.

[Clox]

Yeah I can see the point with that. But as I said its an almost completely non profit organisation. The only profit we make is from sales at the gift shop. And these profits go towards utility bills. The actual work is volunatary etc.

[Nightwalker83]

Assuming the people there have paid job as well one of them could buy the full version of the software and donate it for use at the local heritage society! That wouldn't against the rules.

[tr333]

Wikipedia has a list of kiosk software. If you just need a webbrowser, then Webconverger might be enough for you.

[03myersd]

Is it to run on windows or linux?

[Clox]

It is for windows. I would prefer to use windows as opposed to a linux distro. Its not that I don't have the experience, but it is generally preferable amongst the public.

[Hack]

Just out of curiosity though, what is wrong with businesses using free software?

It sends a very, very bad message. I wouldn't do business with them.

Assuming the people there have paid job as well one of them could buy the full version of the software and donate it for use at the local heritage society! That wouldn't against the rules.

In fact, it might be considered a charitable donation and therefore, tax deductable.

[Clox]

We have 6 PC's to put the license onto. No one is able to pay that amount here. But my original question still stands. Does anyone know of free alternative software?

[stanav]

What are the main functionalities you're looking for?

[Clox]

It is just 2 simple requirements. We need the users to be able to browse the web. And have everything else locked out.

[Nightwalker83]

What do you mean by "And have everything else locked out"?

[Clox]

Essentially the only thing they can use is the web browser.

[Nightwalker83]

I take it that you want it to work in conjunction with what Windows does with the "Limited" user account?

[tr333]

Essentially the only thing they can use is the web browser.

Webconverger, LiveKiosk, and KioskCD will do exactly that. They are Linux live-cds, which means that you just boot into the CD instead of a HDD and all you get is a web browser. This seems to fit your requirements perfectly.

[chris1990]

If you know VB you could write a program to do what you want within 1-2 hrs work, I wrote one a few years back in VB6 which disabled everything and put 2 buttons on the desktop (Internet, Log off), unfortunatley I haven't got it anymore otherwise i'd give it you.

Try it, it wouldn't take long for a simple version, the one i made was more comprehensive allowing the addition of new buttons, and restricting the pc even further.