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.

Public computing pricing

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

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.

Simple

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

Cloud Managed

Power up to 10 desktops from one computer and manage them all centrally from the cloud. Userful includes an easy to use cloud-based web portal that allows administrators to control all settings and customizations from a browser.

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.

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 improves efficiency and productivity of public computer deployment and management.

Cost Effective

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

Additional Features

Centralized computers and kiosks

Userful’s managed computing solution uses a standard, central computer with zero clients and software to create up to ten desktop computer stations from a single PC. The system delivers a locked and secure desktop, complete with a full suite of software that works online or offline.

Include familiar office suites

Customize Desktops

Software add-ons

Extend the functionality with a range of software add-ons to meet the specific need of any organization. Add-ons include:

Time Management and Reservation – Customize default usage settings. The system can connect to an Integrated Library System to reference patronages, types, reservations, and fees. Customize daily usage or number of logins per location. A countdown time notifies the patron before the allocated time is ending and automatically logs the patron out of the desktop or gives patrons the choice to extend the session if it is a low-traffic time.
Pre-book Reservation System – Use Pre-Book to implement a full-featured computer booking and reservation system. Patrons can pre-book a station from home, the office, or school up to two weeks in advance, or walk-up to view the real-time availability charts to immediately reserve the next available station. The system automatically sends email reminders to patrons, provides a grace period for all reservations, and prevents double-booking. Time-based usage restrictions can be set by day and week and across all locations.
Print Management and Cost Recovery – Enable users to print files and pay for the cost of printing. Implement a variety of payment options including an online account, magnetic swipe card, credit card, pay at the desk, or less formal systems like a coin and bill box. Users can see only the names of the print jobs that they have sent to the printer. Wireless web printing is also available.
Remote Monitoring and Control – Staff can efficiently and securely monitor and control all public computers, including sending individual or broadcast messages, adding or subtracting allocated time, and logging stations in and out, as needed. Staff can also view station status, time remaining, and pull status or usage reports. Advanced settings enable staff to remotely perform technical support and troubleshooting tasks such as starting and stopping services, rebooting computers, and running diagnostic or administrative commands.
Patron Authentication – Integrate Userful Desktop with your library management system, allowing you to monitor and control access and usage. Patron authentication is compatible with major library systems including SirsiDynix, Innovative, GEAC, TLC, Polaris, and Endeavor. Userful supports standard protocols including SIP, SIP2, LDAP, and NCIP.

Safe web browsing

Flexible installation

Secure solution

Manage from the cloud

Choose preferred manufacturers

Reliable support

Scaleable

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.

Intuitive desktop with safe web browsing

"Hands-free" solution

Immune to viruses

Cost effective

Minimize management costs

Extend the lifespan

Reduce electricity by 60%

Green computing

Features

Userful Control Center: Local or Cloud Management

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

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

Usage Reports

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 the 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

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

OOCS 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 for customers with 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

Learn more