| Kiosk
is a small, separated garden pavilion
open on some or all sides. Kiosks were
common in Persia,India, Pakistan, and
in the Ottoman Empire from the 13th century
onward. Today, there are many kiosks in
and around the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul,
and they are still a relatively common
sight in Greece.
In the Western hemisphere
and in English-speaking countries, a kiosk
is also a booth with an open window on
one side. Some vendors operate from kiosks
(see mall kiosk), selling small, inexpensive
consumables such as newspapers, magazines,
lighters, street maps, cigarettes, and
confections.
An information kiosk
(or information booth) dispenses free
information in the form of maps, pamphlets,
and other literature, and/or advice offered
by an attendant.
An electronic kiosk (or
computer kiosk or interactive kiosk) houses
a computer terminal that often employs
custom kiosk software designed to function
flawlessly while preventing users from
accessing system functions. Indeed, kiosk
mode describes such a mode of software
operation. Computerized kiosks may store
data locally, or retrieve it from a computer
network. Some computer kiosks provide
a free, informational public service,
while others serve a commercial purpose
(see mall kiosk).Touchscreens, trackballs,
computer keyboards, and pushbuttons are
all typical input devices forinteractive
computer kiosk.
|
|
