Public Computing

Managing desktops for public use can turn traditional PCs into an IT burden and put a strain on budgets. Userful is designed for public use as an all-in-one, simple, and secure desktop platform.

Userful is a locked down public computing solution that is turnkey and ready to go out of the box. It includes a full suite of public computing features such as print and time management as well as all the end user software needed for patrons. Managed through the cloud by Userful, it requires no local IT management.

Reduce Hardware Costs

Userful saves libraries money by powering multiple desktops through one server using energy conserving zero client devices. This saves up to 80% on hardware costs while reducing software and electricity costs.

80%

Save on hardware costs while reducing software and electricity costs.

Userful includes everything needed for any public computer deployment and also allows organizations to provide a rich desktop environment with a variety of features and applications available to meet every patron's need.

key benefits

An easier locked down public computing solution

Image

Complete Solution

With over 40 applications in 30 languages, administrators can customize desktops to meet the unique needs of each user. Our unique system allows multiple people to work from a single computer.

Image

Simple

Controlling and customizing the user interface and policy settings is easy. Administrators can customize desktop for kids with fun and educational games, workstations with large print for users with visual impairment and job seeking stations with office applications.

Image

Cloud Managed

Power up to 20 desktops that are all centrally managed from the cloud. Userful’s cloud is an easy to use web portal that allows administrators to control settings from a browser.

Image

Secure

Our locked-down solution is tamper-proof, immune from viruses, spyware, hackers and identity theft. Only administrators can change desktops which can also be configured to have limited browser access and secure internet browsing for children.

Image

Time Efficient

No more patches, upgrades or updates. Userful centrally updates itself. Time and print management options save time for your staff. Userful’s solution improve efficiency and productivity of desktops.

Image

Cost Effective

Our solution reduces the cost of deploying computers without decreasing performance by minimizing the upfront cost of purchasing hardware for deployments and saves ongoing resources by reducing the effort required for maintenance.

Additional Features

Centralized computers and kiosks
Userful Desktop managed computing solution uses a standard, central computer with client hardware and software to create up to twenty desktop computer stations. The system delivers a locked and secure desktop, complete with a full suite of software that works online or offline.

Additional Benefits

High performance with rich multimedia
The Public desktop computer stations perform just like regular computers and can even support playing high definition videos, typing documents, building presentations, or using a variety of applications at each station.

Features

Userful Cloud & Userful Control Center

Using Userful’s control center, the entire look, feel and functionality of each desktop can be easily configured.

With Userful Cloud you can access the Userful control center remotely allowing you to easily change and manage settings across multiple sites from anywhere you’ve got internet access.

  Usage Report

Userful also includes a full statistics feature. It collects usage stats on number of sessions, length of sessions, type of sessions, and much more. Libraries can pull statistics based on day, branch or even station with the Usage Report feature.

  • Automatic end of day log-off to facilitate closing the facility
  • View or directly control any station from your web browser
  • Manage and control the system entirely through Userful Cloud
  • Warning messages about end-of-session
  • Which sessions are available on which stations
  • Station numbering and naming
  • Web filtering
  • Acceptable Use Policy
  • Desktop shortcuts
  • Opening hours
  • Print control
  • Browser home page
Image

User Sessions

User Session Timers & Reservations

Userful comes with a session timer that keeps track of time spent on a session, warns users when the session is about to end, and then logs the user out..

  Pre-Book Cloud Reservation System

Pre-book delivers advanced time management to customers allowing patrons to book a desktop in advance or can be used to create a queue giving the next desktop available to a waiting patron. It also allows customers to limit users total daily computer time. This features requires user authentication (ie to Library ILS) to implement.

Advanced Print Management

OCS is a Userful partner, and our go-to solution for automated print release. Patrons log into Userful with their barcode, that code is then sent with their print jobs. The user punches in their barcode at the station (or swipes their library card if you have mag-strips) and can then pay for and collect their print job.

  OCS advanced print module

Wireless web printing with the OCS advanced print module requires OCS Print Release Server software for the print release station, as well as OCS support & wireless web print.

Case Studies

Learn more about Userful's previous public computing deployments

Public Computing Pricing

A turnkey solution managed through the cloud that is easy to set up, manage and monitor. It gives a rich and flexible desktop experience to the end user.

Deploy locked down public computers in libraries, schools or any public computing environment. Our virtual desktop solution is customizable and fits perfectly to your needs.

Complete the pricing form on this page and one of our Account Managers will call you towalk you through the software features and answer any of your questions.

Over 15 years of public computing experience

Userful includes over 40 applications in 30+ languages. Users can surf the web, catch up on work, do their homework, or just play games.

There’s even a large-print option for those with vision impairment.