A kiosk may be outfitted with speakers and a printer for greater versatility. Interaction may be as straightforward as pushing a start button or using a touch screen, or it may be more involved such as entering information on a keypad or a full keyboard. The software required to run a kiosk varies depending on the complexity of the functions it serves. Kiosks use the power of network computing and the Internet to inform, entertain, or conduct transactions for users. All of this is accomplished without any requirement for technical knowledge on the part of the user.
Kiosks come in many shapes, sizes, and capabilities.
Using kiosk technology to its fullest potential requires advance planning to avoid potential future difficulties and expensive mistakes. For example, planners must consider the fact that when kiosks are deployed, they are generally not single units. Each of the units represents a substantial investment in hardware. Public service agencies considering utilizing kiosks may also want to consider partnering with other agencies to deploy the units. Once those decisions have been made, planners can begin to decide on the details of networking, software, and detailed development of content.