Thank you for choosing HootBoard for your Kiosk solution. This Blog will explain how easily you can set up a “Powered by HootBoard” kiosk experience by installing HootBoard OS from an ISO file.
Table of contents
- Required Reading
- Pre-Requisites.
- Download the HBOS ISO
- Burn the ISO onto a Flash drive
- Install HBOS on your kiosk Hardware
- HootBoard Onboarding: Your Journey to Seamless Kiosk Setup
- Already an Admin? Let's Dive In
- Changing the Orientation
- Mastering HootBoard OS Admin Settings
Required Reading
- What is HootBoard OS? HootBoard OS, or HBOS in short, is the custom operating system created by HootBoard for kiosks, built on top of Debian, a popular Linux Operating System. All kiosks powered by HootBoard will have HBOS pre-installed in them.
- Kiosk Admin UI - This is an admin interface on all kiosks powered by HootBoard to help admins manage basic tasks related to the kiosk. You access this by pressing a key combination and entering a passcode.
- Terminal: It is an application that lets you interact with the system using specific commands.
- Captive Portal: It’s a page that interrupts the typical user flow at the start of someone’s involvement in a network. For example, if I join WiFi at the airport, I might accept terms and conditions and view an advertisement. Its purpose varies by registering users, paying, and accepting T&Cs or ads.
Pre-Requisites
- A fully-formatted USB drive with a minimum of 4GB of capacity.
- A USB Wireless or Wired Keyboard
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Kiosk hardware with the following minimum configuration
- Intel i5 and above or comparable models from AMD
- 4 GB RAM and above
- 60 GB SSD and above
Download the ISO
The HootBoard OS ISO is available in two variants, a pre-seeded variant as close to 1-click install as possible, with little flexibility in install options.
- Seeded (SE) variant ( Recommended ): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XA6PoQEKhlzrfLerts5iRy402WogfXRD/view?usp=share_link
- Non-Seeded (NS) variant: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z-2W0XJfxN8YS5dT_Lk4LfOjJwpGVBMv/view?usp=sharing
These are hybrid-isos and would work by copying the contents onto a flash drive; however, we recommend burning the ISO onto a USB drive to rule out any issues during installation.
Burn the ISO onto a flash drive
Once you’ve downloaded the preferred ISO file, you’ll need to burn the file onto a flash drive so that you can install it on a physical device.
- To burn the ISO, download and install Balena Etcher (preferred) OR Rufus ISO Burner
- Follow the three-step simple process as shown in the Etcher UI to burn the ISO.
- It usually takes less than 10 minutes to burn the ISO.
Install HBOS using the USB drive on your kiosk hardware.
- Plugin the Keyboard
- Plug the USB drive in the kiosk and reboot it.
- Restart the Kiosk hardware and follow the boot menu key combination to bring up the boot menu. This will be specific to your hardware's boot system software so please watch for prompts.
- Once the boot menu shows up, select the USB drive from the list.
- The kiosk should now start to boot from the USB drive, and you should see the following screen.
- You should select the “Start Installer” menu item and press ENTER
- The kiosk should now automatically go through the various steps if you’ve used a Seeded ISO or prompt you for basic installation questions if you’ve selected a Non-seeded ISO.
Seeded Installation
- Suppose you’ve not plugged in an ethernet cable. You will get to select the network interface and connect to the network.
- The Seeded installation uses a flexible logical volume. You’ll get a prompt to decide the size of the installation. You can use the total available space or pick a smaller size to start with, as shown below
- You can keep the grub that came with the installer or re-create a new one. As a result, you’ll see the following screen.
- Our recommended option is to go with the “Kepp the local version currently installed.”
- That should be it. Once the installation completes, it should show you the “Welcome to HootBoard” screen.
Un-Seeded Installation
- The un-seeded installation is similar to the Seeded installation, but you have more prompts to select various settings.
HootBoard Onboarding: Your Journey to Seamless Kiosk Setup
Welcome Screen
As you step into the OS, the HootBoard welcome screen warmly greets you. Look out for the "Setup My HootBoard Account" button – your gateway to embark on this exciting journey. A single click is all it takes to get started.
Setting Up WiFi
The first step is essential – setting up your WiFi connection. Choose your network from the available options and give the password. This connection is vital for the upcoming account setup.
HootBoard Customer Verification
Following this, you'll come across the "Are you an existing HootBoard Customer" segment. You'll have two choices: "I'm new to HootBoard" or "I'm already an admin" It's all about what suits you best.
New to HootBoard
Let's see about "I'm new to Hootboard ". Opting for "I'm new to HootBoard" takes you through a series of steps. First, verify your email using a verification code sent to your inbox. Then, choose your organization type
Creating a New HootBoard
The journey starts here. Select your organization type – we offer a diverse array of options, all displayed in the image below. Find the one that fits your organization best; it's the key to tailoring your board to match your needs precisely.
Social Handles and Kiosk Location
- Move on to inputting your Google My Business and Instagram handles. These will fetch your organization's logo, name, and location. Check and edit the details if needed.
- Next, accurately mark your kiosk's position on the map. This Kiosk location is pivotal for our transit and wayfinding app functionality. While the default marking is typically accurate, it's wise to double-check for precision.
Craft Your Board: Customisation
- Get ready to customize! Choose colors for apps and buttons that resonate with you. We'll suggest colors from your logo, but feel free to switch them up to match your branding.
- And don't forget to name your kiosk – something that echoes its role, like "Office Cafeteria Kiosk" or "University Kiosk." It's all about adding your unique touch!
The Last Step: Board Creation
After customizing, tap "Create Board." Watch as your HootBoard springs to life, filled with apps that match your organization type. They're drenched in your chosen colors, showcasing your logo and kiosk name.
Freemium Plan
- As a new user, you start in the freemium plan, offering 1000 engagement units. Feel free to upgrade as needed for expanded functionality.
- Click here to learn more about pricing and plan
Already an Admin? Let's Dive In
How to Proceed
Upon successful verification, you'll face the question: "How would you like to proceed?" Choose your pathway from the below three options:
Enter Screen ID :
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Unlocking Screen ID Magic: The Screen ID setup is your go-to when you possess an existing HootBoard with a Screen ID.
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Entering the ID: You'll receive a prompt to enter the pre-generated Screen ID. After successful verification, the board linked to this Screen ID and the kiosk will seamlessly pair up.
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One ID, One Kiosk: Keep in mind, that each Screen ID is exclusively for one kiosk. For multiple kiosks, set up distinct boards and generate fresh Screen IDs for each.
To learn more about creating a Screen ID click here.
Select a HootBoard
- Opting for this choice, you'll find all your HootBoard-created boards conveniently displayed in one location.
- Verify your HootBoard Account to proceed.
- After successful verification, you can see all your associated boards.
- Choose a board from the list to pair it with this screen.
- Confirm your selection and the kiosk will align with your chosen board, instantly displaying it on the screen.
Create a New HootBoard
- There are moments when a new HootBoard is the way to go. This option lets you create a fresh HootBoard under your existing account, perfect for those times when a clean slate is just what you need.
- Selecting it directs you to organization type selection, setting the foundation for your new HootBoard. For more detailed steps, click here.
Changing the Orientation
- HootBoard kiosk automatically configures the touch interface and provides you with simple keyboard shortcuts to change the screen’s orientation.
- Please wait until the kiosk has finished loading and shows either a Welcome to HootBoard message or the content itself before trying the keyboard shortcuts.
Orientation | Keyboard Shortcut |
---|---|
Normal | CTRL + ALT + 1 |
Left | CTRL + ALT + 2 |
Inverted | CTRL + ALT + 3 |
Right | CTRL + ALT + 4 |
These changes persist, so press the required keyboard shortcut if you want to go back to the previous orientation.
Mastering HootBoard OS Admin Settings
Inside the world of HootBoard OS, there's an admin UI that equips kiosk administrators with vital tools for smooth kiosk control. Additionally, with the upgraded HootBoard version, getting into and managing Admin settings is simpler than ever. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the easy process of accessing the Admin dashboard and provide an overview of the key options available.
Accessing the Admin Dashboard
To begin the journey to HootBoard's powerful Admin settings, make sure you have a keyboard connected to your HootBoard device. This is essential for smooth navigation and interaction. Press CTRL + ALT + RIGHT_ARROW_KEY This key combination is your entryway to unveiling the Admin dashboard. Once you do this, a screen like the one below will pop up:
Passcode Screen
At this stage, you'll need to input the correct passcode to gain access to the Admin settings. This is all about keeping things secure and making sure only the right people get in.
The default passcode is 1234567890. And since HootBoard kiosks are mostly touch screens, simply tap the numbers directly on the screen or use the mouse to input the passcode.
Note: The keyboard won't work for the passcode
Welcome to the Admin Dashboard
After inputting the correct passcode, you'll land on the Admin dashboard. This dashboard is your control center for basic kiosk management. With this revamped dashboard, you'll be all set to handle essential admin tasks with ease. Customize settings to your liking and get the most out of your HootBoard with the below options:
- Network Management
- Change Screen ID
- Audio Configuration
- Advanced Settings
- Brightness Control
- Terminal Accessibility
- Kiosk Reset
- Kiosk Reboot
- Exit Management
Don't worry, we'll dive deeper into each setting, helping you maximize your HootBoard experience.
Enhanced Network management
In our ongoing mission to streamline your experience, we've revamped HootBoard's network settings to make connecting and managing networks even smoother. Here's how it works:
Connecting to Networks:
- Discover Available Networks: Upon entering the Network settings, It immediately initiates a search for available networks in your vicinity. This ensures that you're presented with an up-to-date list of options to choose from.
- Join Networks: Choose a network, and you'll be prompted to enter the password. Type it using the on-screen or physical keyboard.
- Once the password is correct, your HootBoard links effortlessly with the network, and the connected network is placed at the top of the list for easy reference.
Effortless Network Disconnecting & Switching:
- Identify your current network at the top of the list.
- Click to access network details and find the disconnect button.
- Disconnect with ease and switch networks seamlessly.
Screen ID
If you're accessing Screen settings for a new kiosk, you'll find a page without a screen ID. However, a button to set up the screen ID will be there. By clicking this button, you can enter the screen ID you generated from the website, pairing it with this kiosk.
Note:
- The Screen ID setup proves valuable when you possess a pre-existing HootBoard with a Screen ID.
- Also, remember, that each Screen ID can only be used with one kiosk. So, if you have more than one kiosk, set up separate boards and generate new Screen IDs for each of them.
- If you haven't generated a Screen ID yet, you can either create a new HootBoard by exiting this Admin setting or you can create it from our website.
- To learn more about this click here.
Screen ID Pairing Process:
- Entering Screen ID: Upon clicking the setup button, you'll be directed to a page to input your generated screen ID. Validation and uniqueness checks will be performed.
- Successful Pairing: A valid, unused screen ID will successfully pair with the kiosk. You'll see details like screen type and ID in the Screen settings.
- Changing Screen ID: If you wish to modify the screen ID for this kiosk down the road, you can easily do so by utilizing the "Change Screen ID" button. Just follow the steps outlined above to update the screen ID on your kiosk seamlessly.
Audio Settings
When you click Audio settings, A volume control screen emerges from the Debian OS, giving you authority over your kiosk's sound experience for customizing the audio level to suit your preferences.
Advanced Settings
Discover Advanced Settings for streamlined kiosk management. Here's what you gain:
1. Change Passwords: Enhance security by crafting your own protected passcode. Start by confirming your current password for safety. Then, proceed to create your new password and click "Change Password." Remember, this process is best undertaken after connecting your kiosk to the network.
2. Base OS Reversion: Return to base Debian OS effortlessly. Use "Drop Down to Base Debian" for a seamless transition, followed by a reboot.
3. Enable Mouse Pointer: Toggle "Enable Mouse Pointer" for mouse pointer support.
Brightness
Brightness settings unlock personalized luminance adjustments through Debian's control system, refining your kiosk's visual experience.
Terminal:
The text-based interface serves as a commanding tool for Linux computers. Leverage this feature within admin settings to seamlessly exercise command-based control over your kiosk operations.
Kiosk Reboot:
Give your kiosk a quick restart for a performance boost. A reboot clears the way for smoother operation, improved speed, and renewed responsiveness.
Kiosk Reset:
Choose a Kiosk Reset for a fresh beginning. This action restores your kiosk to its original settings, including screen ID setups.
Exit
Click "Exit" to seamlessly leave the admin dashboard and return to HootBoard OS for regular kiosk use.
For any support: Write to snair@hootboard.com
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