Need to run your website on a public facing kiosk or tablet? In this article we’re going to cover the basic steps, including configuring the kiosk browser software.
This article will cover:
- Device selection (kiosk or tablet)
- Configuring the kiosk browser software
- Deployment
Selecting your device: Tablet or Kiosk?
Our first consideration in deploying your public facing website is the device hardware. For your use case, does it make more sense to use a kiosk or a tablet?
Let’s consider the pros and cons of each…
Kiosk Pros
- Secure enclosure
- High visibility
- Available in large screen sizes
- Easily attach peripherals (i.e. payment devices, barcode readers, etc…)
Kiosk Cons
- Costly
- Takes up more floor space
Tablet Pros
- Inexpensive
- Compact and easily mounted to a counter, floor stand or wall
Tablet Cons
- Requires a secure tablet enclosure
- Limited screen sizes available
- Not easily visible
- Difficult to securely attach peripherals (i.e. payment devices, barcode reader, etc…)
The device you choose to run your kiosk browser depends on your use case. If you have questions or need help getting quotes on a kiosk then give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.
In this example, we’re going to be using the kiosk browser software KioskSimple which runs on Microsoft Windows.
For the sake of following this example, we recommend selecting a tablet or kiosk running Windows.
Configuring your kiosk browser software
In this section we’re going to cover configuring your kiosk browser software.
First, you’ll want to download the free trial of the kiosk browser software KioskSimple.
After you run the installer, select the desktop icon for configuring KioskSimple and you’ll be greeted with a quick start wizard. It’s REALLY quick, I promise.
Simply enter your website and click continue. That’s it for the configuration!
Close the KioskSimple configuration tool and use the Start KioskSimple icon on your desktop to start the kiosk browser software.
While KioskSimple is unregistered, you’ll need to select the option to Try the Demo.
Finally, select the option to run KioskSimple in Test Mode so you can quickly test your website in the browser kiosk software.
Your website will load within in a few seconds. After you’re done testing your website press ESC and you’ll be prompted to enter a password. While KioskSimple is unregistered, any password will work.
While in Test Mode you can also simply reboot the device and Windows will load normally.
When you’re ready to deploy your website for use by the public, you’ll want to select the option to Lockdown Kiosk and configure some basic security options which we’ll cover in the next section.
Kiosk browser software deployment
In this final section, we’ll cover securely deploying your tablet or kiosk running your website for use by the public.
Remote management is a great way to remotely administer and monitor your devices (kiosks or tablets). We’ve had a great experience with LogMeIn Pro and TeamViewer and recommend either product to our customers.
Lastly, you’ll want to configure the kiosk browser software KioskSimple to run in a secure manner. In most cases, this simply involves changing the default password of “kiosksimple” to something more secure and restricting the webpages users can visit.
To change the password for exiting KioskSimple visit the section in the configuration tool SECURITY->SECURITY SETTINGS and set the new password under the section Exit KioskSimple shown below.
Finally, save your settings and close the configuration tool and you’re ready to run your kiosk browser software in Lockdown Kiosk mode for deployment to the public.
Need Extra Help?
Please feel free to contact us with any questions and we’ll be happy to help.
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