Public Computing

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.

LibreOffice software, a full open source office suite, is included with the Linux operating system. LibreOffice is a multilingual office suite that is compatible with Microsoft Office, which can also be installed on the desktops.

Administrators can easily create a series of custom desktop profiles designed with applications to suit different types of users based on age, or usage need.

Extend 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 patron ages, types, reservations, and fees. Customize daily useage or number of logins per location. A count down time notifies the patron before allocated time is ending and automatically logs the patron out of the desktop or gives patrons the choice to extend the session if its 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 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.

A password protected Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Compliant filter enables organizations to provide a content-safe internet browsing environment.

Built on Userful's virtualization platform, Userful Desktop can run on a single server with 10 or more desktops connected either with USB or with LAN-based client devices. Userful desktop can also be run on stand alone PC's allowing organizations to get the benefit of a locked down, cloud managed desktop without buying new hardware.

Only administrators can install software or change the desktops. The desktop computer stations automatically reset when a public computer session ends without needing to restart the station.

Userful's Cloud Management portal (http://manage.userful.com) allows a single administrator to manage up to thousands of desktop computer stations located anywhere in the world all from a browser. Easily set usage permissions, control the look, feel and functionality of all desktops. Easily pull usage reports to gain better insight into how the desktops are used.

Userful software for public computer stations is compatible with zero client devices from many leading manufacturers like HP®, ViewSonic®, Acer and Atrust, so there is no proprietary hardware to lock in. Userful Desktop can be installed easily on most 64-bit computers and is compatible with a variety of market leading printers and scanners.

Our knowledgeable team of trainers and support experts are easy to reach through email or a toll free phone number. Training services are included with every new installation. The support team can request permission to remotely connect to any public computer stations to use a toolbox of diagnostic utilities and support scripts to quickly isolate and fix any technical issue. Userful automatically deploys updates with the latest features and improvements to keep the solution up-to-date.

When more desktops are required, it's easy to scale with Userful, simply add another server to add up to twenty desktops to that single server.