An Internet kiosk is a terminal that provides public Internet access. Internet kiosks sometimes resemble telephone booths, and are typically placed in settings such as hotel lobbies or airports for fast access to email or web pages. Internet kiosks sometimes have a bill acceptor or a credit card swipe, and nearly always have a computer keyboard, a mouse (or a fixed trackball which is more robust), and a monitor.

Integration of technology allows internet kiosks to perform a wide range of functions. For example, kiosks may enable users to enter a utility bill account number in order to perform an online transaction, or collect cash in exchange for merchandise. A kiosk that functions as a digital minilab allows users to insert a memory card to print photographs. Customised components such as coin hoppers, bill acceptors, card readers and thermal printers enable kiosks to meet specialised needs.

Reliability is an important consideration, and as a result many specialised software applications have been developed for the industry. These applications interface with the bill acceptor and credit card swipe, meter time, prevent users from changing the configuration of software or downloading computer viruses and allow the kiosk owner to see revenue remotely.

Some Internet kiosks are based on a payment model similar to vending machines or Internet cafés, while others are free. A common arrangement with pay-for-use kiosks has the owner of the Internet kiosk enter into a partnership with the owner of its location, paying either a flat rate for rental of the floor space or a percentage of the monthly revenue generated by the machine.

Internet kiosks are used around the world. Several countries have already implemented nation-wide installation of kiosks for various purposes. One example of such large scale installations can be found in the United Kingdom, where thousands of special-purpose kiosks are now available to aid job-seekers in finding employment.

See also

• Internet cafe
• Kiosk
• Telephone booth

External links

• Updated Information on Kiosk Resources
• The Kiosk Factory
• Kiosk Resource Links, a comprehensive directory for system integrators to have quick access to all kiosk-related resources.
• Kiosk Design and Manufacturer
• Kiosk Software Provider
• Ipoint Highlands, example large scale deployment of informational kiosks across the Scottish Highlands.