Best solution for guest computers

[Velvis]

Is there an ideal way to setup a computer for multiple guests?

The computers are in a lobby and would be used by multiple people.

Specifically concerned with someone checking an email and leaving the window opened and logged in and having another person sitting down in front of it.

The users would be older non computer savvy people. So guaranteeing them properly signing out is next to nil.

 

[14049752]

You could install Win 10, with device lockdown policies. Set the disk write filter, so nothing is saved to the drive and upon reboot it's all clean.
Then set up Edge in Kios mode with the settings you may want, like "Delete downloads on exit" "Reset after inactivity" and "End session button"

 

[britechguy]

Presuming this is for a senior residential setting, I'd advise you to reach out to the "tech folks" at some other local facilities of the same class to survey what they do (or, often, don't do). You may get some ideas you'd never even thought of.

 

[Mick]

Have a look here: https://www.fortypoundhead.com/showcontent.asp?artid=24173
Might not be the complete answer, but could get you some of the way.

 

[MudRock]

I've heard this is one of the hardest ones to breech, but I watch a youtuber bust all sorts of Kiosk mode set ups

FrontFace Lockdown Tool: Windows Kiosk Mode

Free software to configure and protect Windows PCs that are to be used as public kiosk terminals or for digital signage.

www.mirabyte.com

Windows does have Assigned Access too. Here's the Youtuber I mentioned:

Long story short; This guy, and a bunch of others, indicate that no Kiosk mode is flawless. Many suggest that your Kiosks should generally be in eyeshot of an employee at all times and an employee is aware of what appears normal.

Edit: Microsoft's Kiosk/Single App mode info: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/kiosk-single-app

 

[Sky-Knight]

@MudRock The sandbox is made to be broken! Happens on mobile devices all the time!

Physical access means you own the box, so kiosks have always made me raise an eyebrow. Yes they work, but unless you have a solution to remotely N&P the unit.

And yes, you need someone trustworthy to keep an eye on things. Automated sales systems just mean 1 person can operate more checkout lines. It's still a huge savings in HR costs, and still indicative of the looming automation and employment crisis we're facing down that's only getting worse by the day.

 

[britechguy]

Well, it's very common for assisted living facilities, senior centers, and the like (even public libraries) to have machines that anyone can walk up and use. There has to exist at least one technique that has made this practical. If my mother were still alive I would have asked at the facility where she lived. They have 2 such machines that seem to be working all the time and I know that the staff on site is not computer savvy.

 

[Sky-Knight]

The best I've seen is Deep Freeze, but even that has soft spots. https://www.faronics.com/products/deep-freeze/enterprise