PowerTouch

Program PowerTouch is a stable and secure Internet browser developed for kiosk terminals with touchscreen monitors operating in OS Linux. In current version RedHat works on distribution with the latest updates configured for kiosk application. Another necessary components for full version of the program are mcrypt a mhash libraries.

When developing the application, the main emphases were to assure secure, stable and non-stop operation of self-service kiosk terminals. And that was the reason why system Linux has been used.

The browser itself is based on Mozilla Application Programming Framework and user interface is written via GTK library.

Because all the components necessary for the correct functioning of the browser are distributed under another license than GPL, it allows development of commercial software.

Main Browser characteristics

  • ● Automatic start into kiosk mode – the user doesn’t have access in operating system.
  • ● Automatic start of the application when „crash“ occurs.
  • ● Prohibiting keys “CTRL+ALT+DEL” and “CTRL+ALT+BACKSPACE”.
  • ● These characteristics are only guaranteed when setup is done according to user’s manual.
  • ● Defined homepage is displayed automatically after kiosk boots.
  • ● Opening of new windows (as bookmarks in default window).
  • ● Support of chosen printers (if driver for OS Linux exists).
  • ● Remote control of the kiosk through secure shell (ssh).
  • ● Log of program activity into a folder.
  • ● Installation is not dependent on used hardware and installed hard drive can be used in another PC in case of malfunction.
  • ● The only condition is to use the same LAN adapter (not only the same model, but the same unit).

Configuration options

  • ● Configuration of parameters PowerTouch in text file.
  • ● Monitor resolution 800×600 or 1024×768 pixels.
  • ● Virtual keyboard (EN,CZ).
  • ● Access only to defined pages or without limitation.
  • ● Access to Internet through Proxy server (without authorization) or directly.
  • ● Setup of time interval for automatic redirect to defined homepage.
  • ● Setup of automatic reboot of kiosk at certain time.
  • ● Possibility of local web server with own application – kiosk doesn’t have to be connected to the Internet.
  • ● Option to create own graphics.
  • ● Setup of own printer (page size, color or black & white etc.)

Linux is registered trademark of Linuse Torvaldse
Mozilla is the registered trademark of The Mozilla Organization
RedHat is registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc.