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Internet Computers

Internet Access and Computers

Phillip started this discussion 15 years 4 months ago

Does anyone have any data on what people are preferring for common Internet computers in hostels for people who do not travel with laptops? Do people prefer Windows or Mac or Linux with the current backpackers. Most are pretty tech savvy these days I would say.

I've had bad experience on various machines where applications just keep crashing. Most likely they are not well maintained which would be required on a regular basis.

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Josh Hostels

15 years

I think that most guests don't know the difference. They are happy as long as they can find a browser, Skype, digital camera program, and messenger.

I used to block people from using Internet Explorer and a common question was, "Where is the Internet?". People didn't know "how to find the Internet" because the blue "e" icon was missing from the desktop. So I put the blue "e" back on the desktop but made it launch Firefox instead of IE and the problem was solved. :D

All they cared about was finding a browser, and it didn't matter what browser.

I think the tech savvy people who care about what software they use probably travel with their own laptops or netbooks.

I think Ubuntu Linux* would work well. I think most people won't know the difference -- but if you want to charge for Internet, most of the billing programs are made for Windows.

If you run Windows, there is a program called Deepfreeze that can reset your computer to a default clean state on every reboot (recommended by Plakian).

Related page:
Free Software for Hostels

* (the Wiki page is a work in progress)

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Scotch Argus

15 years

IN my experience windows is much more vulnerable to security flaws and malicious users than Linux. We provide an internet PC in each room, using Ubuntu Linux, and have had no problems with them so far. People tend to mess about with windows settings, partly because they are familiar with them. The average user hasn't a clue how to do anything in Linux, plus changes to the important settings are password protected by default. Our PCs boot straight into a browser, so all the user has to do is click on the links on our start page, or type an address into the address bar.

There are more difficulties using common 3rd party apps in linux, but we just provide internet. If you want to provide lots of other features, be prepared for constant ongoing support. I think personally that free internet is enough. Personally I wouldn't overestimate how tech savvy people are - in my experience knowledge is very limited in most cases.

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stozza

15 years

If you run Windows, there is a program called Deepfreeze that can reset your computer to a default clean state on every reboot (recommended by Plakian).

I whole heartily recommend this, however Microsoft have a free program called SteadyState which does the same thing. I have managed to run PCs for 6 months without touching them, whereas an unprotected PC will last less than 2 hours before it is infected with crap. After the 6 months I had to do software updates and stuff, but the computer lasts until the hardware breaks.

In my opinion any computer where a customer might have to enter their credit card number MUST have software like this on.

The most important thing, though, is to be 100% sure the computer is clean before you install it. ie: fresh clean windows install. And never give the password to anyone else, as if SteadyState is turned off, it is unprotected, and will need a fresh install again.

Deepfreeze is the only programme that does the same thing for a Mac.

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Josh Hostels

15 years

There are more difficulties using common 3rd party apps in linux, but we just provide internet. If you want to provide lots of other features, be prepared for constant ongoing support.

A hostel might be able to make Linux easier for guests by putting intuitive icons on the Desktop.

E.g., Desktop icons that say:

Office Program
Chat Program (MSN, Yahoo, Google)
Edit Photos
Digital Camera Program
Skype

A hostel could either have the Chat icon link to Pidgin, or have it launch Meebo in a browser window.

I whole heartily recommend this, however Microsoft have a free program called SteadyState which does the same thing.

Thanks for the tip -- I've just added it to the Wiki in the computer security section.

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Scotch Argus

15 years

I whole heartily recommend this, however Microsoft have a free program called SteadyState which does the same thing. I have managed to run PCs for 6 months without touching them, whereas an unprotected PC will last less than 2 hours before it is infected with crap. After the 6 months I had to do software updates and stuff, but the computer lasts until the hardware breaks.

Thanks for the tip on this - had never heard of it before. I've installed it on the PC in the hostel common room. I really like it as you can give people unlimited access to windows, they can do what they want, and then just turn it back on and it's back to original. If anyone's installing it, you need to make sure all the software you want is working well on the limited account before you set disk protection on, as it will always revert to this state. I had not used openoffice.org on the limited account, turned on disk protection, and the every time it was used it comes up with the registration new user wizard. Just had to use it once before turning disk protection on.

Thanks again.

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AndrewC

15 years

I think that most guests don't know the difference. They are happy as long as they can find a browser, Skype, digital camera program, and messenger.

I used to block people from using Internet Explorer and a common question was, "Where is the Internet?". People didn't know "how to find the Internet" because the blue "e" icon was missing from the desktop. So I put the blue "e" back on the desktop but made it launch Firefox instead of IE and the problem was solved. :D

All they cared about was finding a browser, and it didn't matter what browser.

Case in point: What is a browser?

It would be really interesting to do a 'What is a hostel?'

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Kapake

15 years

I loved the video!!! jajajajaaj
I assumed that by now everybody knows the basics...AMAZING that they don´t although they are using it ALL the time!
I believe that this happens since most of windows and other programs are "self explanatory" so everybody learns how to use it by a test-error system...but no real knowledge comes from it, right?

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Josh Hostels

15 years

Case in point: What is a browser?

Great video :D

It would be really interesting to do a 'What is a hostel?'

I'm probably headed to NYC and San Francisco next month. Anyone in either city with a video camera? :D

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