PC self bookings client - manual

Introduction

The booking client is a program that allows patrons to self book computers. Bookings may be made on the client PC. Alternatively they may be prebooked via the intranet or via the web, the patron would then log into the PC using patron credentials.

Installation Requirements

• Client PCs running windows XP (may in Vista but not tested)
• Client PCs have .NET Runtime version 3.5.
• Client network has a working Brushtail intranet.
• Client PC has security software that denies access to Ctrl + Alt + Delete

Installation instructions

Configure Brushtail

1. Edit config.php and set $PCAUTHENTICATION to "local" or "web"
2. Create a PC booking type through Content Management > PC Bookings > Booking type. (Note the "Client software parameters")
3. Create a PC bookings location through Content Management > PC Bookings > Locations
4. Create a PC bookings computers for the location through Content Management > PC Bookings > Location > Add computer.
   They will also need to be in "flexible mode" (not interval).
5. The PC may be authenticated by static IP address or shared password. The Computer details in the intranet content management must have either an ip address or a password.

• Barcode mode
  Available computer - Patron can self book using barcode.
  Booked computer (booking contains barcode) - Patron can self checkin using barcode.
  Booked computer (booking HAS NO barcode) - Staff must checkin patron via intranet.
  
• Mixed mode
  Available computer - Patron can self book using barcode.
  Booked computer (booking contains barcode) - Patron can self checkin using barcode.
  Booked computer (booking HAS NO barcode) - Booking generates session PIN. Patron must be given PIN to use computer.
  
• PIN mode
  Available computer - No self bookings, patron must book via staff.
  Booked computer - Intranet booking generates session PIN. Patron must be given PIN to use computer.
  

Configure Client PC

1. Logged in as administrator Copy client folder onto computer
   Create a folder C:\program Files\booker and copy files. Check that the files in this folder can be read but not writable by the windows user account used by patrons.
2. Create a desktop shortcut to pcbooker.exe, put this in the start menu > startup folder for the windows user account used by patrons. Check that user has read and execute permissions on the shortcut.
3. Edit ini.xml and define following parameter
   <url>http://intranet/intranet/main/session.php</url> (url of session.php on intranet server)
   
   <conditions>http://intranet/intranet/main/conditions.htm</conditions> (url of conditions.htm on intranet server)
   <poll>30</poll> (The regular interval in seconds for the PC to check with the intranet for booking status)
   
4. Edit apps.xml This is where you can list any applications that are terminated at the end of each computer session. Applications such as as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Word and so can be closed to protect patron privacy. You will need to specify the process names as they appear in Windows Task Manager (without the .exe)
   <app>WINWORD</app> (Microsoft Word)
   <app>AcroRD32</app> (Acrobat reader)
   <app>iexplore</app> (Internet Explorer)
   <app>POWERPNT</app>(Powerpoint)
   <app>firefox</app> (Firefox)
   
5. Administrator Options
   You can change settings with Ctrl + Shift + O when application is running.
   Default password is banana
   
6. Administrator Password
   You can disable the client interface using Ctrl + Shift + C
   Default password is banana
   To change client administrator password Ctril + Shfft + P (must be done logged in as administrator
7. Shutdown privleges The booking client needs privileges to shutdown or reboot the computer.
   • Logged in administrator, open Local Security Settings from Administrative Tools.
   • Select Security Settings \ Local Policies \ User Rights Assignment
   • Open the user right named "Force shutdown from a remote system" and add the INTERACTIVE group to this user right.