Windows Kiosk App

Question

So, I need to build a kiosk type of application for use in an internet cafe. The app needs to load and display some options of things to do. One option is to launch IE to surf. Another option is to play a game.

I've been reading that what I probably want to do is replace the windows shell and have it run my app when the OS loads. I'd also have to disable the task manager.

This is a multipart question.

• Can I use dotnet to create this?
• What OS do I have to use? I keep seeing windows xp embedded pop up in my readings
• Will there be any issues with the app occasionally loading IE?
• Are there any other tasks that I should be aware of when doing this? Other than task manager and replacing the shell.
• If I can do it in c#, is there anything in particular that I should know about? Maybe my forms have to inherit certain classes, etc...

Answer 1

You should check out Microsoft Steady State

It has plenty features and are free to use.

Windows SteadyState Features
Whether you manage computers in a school computer lab or an Internet cafe, a library, or even in your home, Windows SteadyState helps make it easy for you to keep your computers running the way you want them to, no matter who uses them.

Windows Disk Protection –
Help protect the Windows partition, which contains the Windows operating system and other programs, from being modified without administrator approval.Windows SteadyState allows you to set Windows Disk Protection to remove all changes upon restart, to remove changes at a certain date and time, or to not remove changes at all. If you choose to use Windows Disk Protection to remove changes, any changes made by shared users when they are logged on to the computer are removed when the computer is restarted

User Restrictions and Settings –
The user restrictions and settings can help to enhance and simplify the user experience. Restrict user access to programs, settings, Start menu items, and options in Windows. You can also lock shared user accounts to prevent changes from being retained from one session to the next.

User Account Manager –
Create and delete user accounts. You can use Windows SteadyState to create user accounts on alternative drives that will retain user data and settings even when Windows Disk Protection is turned on. You can also import and export user settings from one computer to another—saving valuable time and resources.

Computer Restrictions –
Control security settings, privacy settings, and more, such as preventing users from creating and storing folders in drive C and from opening Microsoft Office documents from Internet Explorer®.

Schedule Software Updates –
Update your shared computer with the latest software and security updates when it is convenient for you and your shared users.

Download: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=d077a52d-93e9-4b02-bd95-9d770ccdb431