Brushtail Administrator's Guide

PC self bookings client

Introduction

The booking client is a program that allows patrons to self book computers. Bookings may be made on the client PC. Alternatively they may be prebooked via the intranet or via the web, the patron would then log into the PC using patron credentials.

Installation Requirements

• Client PCs running windows XP (may in Vista but not tested)
• Client PCs have static IP addresses
• Client PCs have .NET Runtime version 2 or greater.
• Client network has a working Brushtail intranet.
• Client PC has security software that denies access to Ctrl + Alt + Delete

Installation instructions

Configure Brushtail

1. Create a PC booking type through Content Management > PC Bookings > Booking type
2. Create a PC bookings location through Content Management > PC Bookings > Locations
3. Create a PC bookings computers for the location through Content Management > PC Bookings > Location > Add computer.
   You will need to specify IP address for each computer. They will also need to be in "flexible mode" (not interval).

Configure Client PC

1. Logged in as administrator Copy client folder onto computer
   Create a folder C:\program Files\booker and copy files. Check that the files in this folder can be read but not writable by the windows user account used by patrons.
2. Create a desktop shortcut to dummy3.exe, put this in the start menu > startup folder for the windows user account used by patrons. Check that user has read and execute permissions on the shortcut.
3. Edit ini.xml and define following parameters
   <url>http://intranet/intranet/main/session.php</url> (url of session.php on intranet server)
   (Test this url in a web browser, it should say "you are connecting from a valid PC")
   <conditions>http://intranet/intranet/main/conditions.htm</conditions> (url of conditions.htm on intranet server)
   <poll>30</poll> (The regular interval in seconds for the PC to check with the intranet for booking status)
   
4. Edit apps.xml This is where you can list any applications that are terminated at the end of each computer session. Applications such as as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Word and so can be closed to protect patron privacy. You will need to specify the process names as they appear in Windows Task Manager (without the .exe)
   <app>WINWORD</app> (Microsoft Word)
   <app>AcroRD32</app> (Acrobat reader)
   <app>iexplore</app> (Internet Explorer)
   <app>POWERPNT</app>(Powerpoint)
   <app>firefox</app> (Firefox)
   
5. Administrator Password
   You can disable the client interface using Ctrl + Shift + C
   Default password is banana
   To change client administrator password Ctril + Shfft + P (must be done logged in as administrator
6. Shutdown privleges The booking client needs privileges to shutdown or reboot the computer.
   • Logged in administrator, open Local Security Settings from Administrative Tools.
   • Select Security Settings \ Local Policies \ User Rights Assignment
   • Open the user right named "Force shutdown from a remote system" and add the INTERACTIVE group to this user right.