15 years
Here's a photo from a hostel that uses Ubuntu on the guest computers -- I think it's becoming more common:
Linux and hostel computers
Internet Access and Computers
Are any hostels running Linux? I've heard that Floyd's Hostel in Florida is running Ubuntu Linux on their guest computers.
The advantage of Linux (besides being 100% free) is that it's easy to lock down for Internet kiosk stations. Linux does not get spyware or viruses.
Here are some Linux-related resources for setting up public Internet access:
- KDE Kiosk Admin Tool - for setting up locked-down Internet kiosks
- Userful - a product to run 10 Internet stations from 1 computer
- Another system to run multiple Internet stations from 1 computer
- Zeiberbude - a free Linux-based, open-source POS system for Internet cafes.
- Zone CD - a free tool to setup a public wireless hotspot
- Comments
15 years
We have been running Ubuntu on our to Hostel computers for nearly a year now and find it to be the mist stable, most reliable and least troublesome operating system to-date. We do our reservations via a browser using http://resengine.com and use Songbird on the other machine for an iTunes-style music player as well as Pandora and lastfm. After years of trying to keep Windows machines up and running and virus free, this has become a perfect solution.
15 years
15 years
Well this is really cool. Our Front Office Room Management software runs on Linux. www.hosteloffice.com
You can even access the Linux at the hostel from your Windows computer or Macintosh from anywhere in the world.
Maybe Linux could become the preferred software for hostels. It would be good if a Linux user could list the exact path to follow to get Linux up and running in a Hostel.
15 years
We could do that. It really is a function of having found Windows to be very difficult to support in an environment where multiple users are accessing it. The music library continually was chaos and people would download files and applications and in spite of many efforts, introduce malware and viruses. Since the introduction of Ubuntu to our Hostel, we have had no such issues. The interface is very straightforward and presents zero learning curve. Its very stable and reliable and runs sprightly on older machines. We use http://resengine.comas our reservation service which runs extremely well in Firefox.
15 years
I've never tried Songbird, but just downloaded it now. The program didn't install anything though. Do you just hide the downloaded folder somewhere and link to the program?
I've been using Amarok as a music player, but it requires installing KDE (even if using GNOME).
Try downloading a full package from Getdeb then installing the package.
You may also need to remove libvisual - run this from the terminal:
sudo apt-get remove libvisual-0.4-plugins
The nice thing about Ubuntu is there is tons of on-line help available in the Ubuntu Forums.
15 years
I've been collecting computers before opening the hostel. The reason is simple. I only got Macs here.
I have an iMac G3 running Tiger (OS 10.4) and and iMac G4 running Leopard (the latest OS 10.5).
the G3 is quite an old machine, but it's incredible how Macs can last for so long. I can remotely control them from my own Macbook Pro, even lock the screen when I wanna do some maintenance (when necessary), and they are good looking machines and very stable. Also completely wireless...
Actually my whole hostel is on Macs :P Even the Wireless routers are Apple.
And the coolest thing we have here is an Apple TV plugged to the LCD TV at the reception, where people can watch YouTube videos. And the screen saver are the pictures from the hostel guests. Its very cool!
14 years
Ubuntu all the way. Way more secure, simple to setup, works on older machines, no viruses. You just need one or 2 PCs, set wifi for the rest, for free please :)
13 years
Been running Ubuntu for a couple months now... SO stable, zero maintenance, and I have them password protected... A bit of pain as we have to login each user after the computer goes to sleep but it keeps folks from installing their own software without asking and filling up the hard disk with random stuff. Free wi-fi throughout the building fills in the gaps. Love the Ubuntu however, it's just plain clean.
13 years
As far as I know we at www.hosteloffice.com are the only PMS providers that can provide Linux users with a software solution to integrate with the main booking agents to automate the management of Bookings, Prices, and Allocations, completely two way integration.
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