How to lock keyboard and mouse (inet cafe locks)

webdevel · 02-09-2005, 06:20 PM

I am going to create a simple perl script to lock terminals in my internet cafe.
How can I lock keyboard, mouse and turn off monitor ?

I was trying to use "rm /dev/keyb" and "chmod 000 ..." but my idea is bad.

Do you have any idea how to lock keyboard/mouse?

Tinkster · 02-09-2005, 07:06 PM

Depending on how the kiosk is set-up/works ...
If you're assigning users temporary passwords an
easy way would be to run a little script ...
Step 1: change password
Step 2: fire up xscreensaver-command -lock

That doesn't disable the mouse & keyboard,
but with the right module (blank) enabled for
the saver the box will be unusable...

Cheers,
Tink

webdevel · 02-10-2005, 06:47 AM

I wish to have two lock levels.

1st - when prepayed time is over and keyboard/mouse are locked, but all applications are still open. User can add payment and continue job.
2nd - close all user applications and turn off monitor.
To close I will run kill, to turn off monitor as you said will be used screensaver. But I have no idea how to lock keyboard and mouse without turning off monitor. I am afraid that I have to build own kernel driver.

Tinkster · 02-10-2005, 11:30 AM

What I've seen for other Kiosk systems here is a
physical device with a coin-regulated timer that
is hooked up between keyboard/mouse and computer.

;)

As I said in my first post: it depends on what way
you're going to run the thing.
Have a look on http://freshmeat.net - search for
"Internet cafe" or Kiosk; you might be surprised
how many are about and freely available.

Cheers,
Tink