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University of Waterloo Internet Kiosk

Technical Information

The University of Waterloo Internet Kiosk is a modified Debian system. Much of the core functionality was removed in order to create a secure browsing environment.

Software:

The system was built with tools available from the Debian Live project. A Debian Testing (Lenny) core system is used with only software essential to the operation of the kiosk included. Once the system was customized and configured as desired, it was transferred to compact disc.

The following software is utilized:

Operation:

Upon startup, the system initiates an X session using an unprivileged general user account. The browser is pre-loaded by the kiosk user's X configuration script. A time-out script kills the browser after 5 minutes of inactivity. A watcher script kills the X session if the browser is closed and this resets and restarts the kiosk.

Upon exiting the web browser, any information cached during the user's session is erased and a new X session is initiated. No terminal is available to the user and no other are programs accessible.

A firewall blocks external access to the kiosk.