And they're off!

On Monday I was speaking with my boss/dad about the delays in the launch of our internet café software. I told him the core functionality is there but some other features he asked for is still unavailable. He said that anything is better than the current system and if I can emulate at least that functionality we should switch.

So on Tuesday we rolled out EZ-Net Version 1.0.0. And true to form in most applications, this morning we rolled out EZ-Net Version 1.0.1! Fixing 4 bugs in the process, mind you.

The basic features of the system are as follows:

• Server-side application giving you detailed information on status, time and price of the terminals.
• Post-pay user sessions can be extended after logout, in case the user forgot to do something.
  
• Contract users can purchase predefined contracts and then log in using a username and password.
• Multiple servers can monitor and control client applications. For instance in our shop we have 2 PCs behind the counter and when a designer is busy on one you can control users from the other.
  
• Client-side application blocks the screen, displaying a company logo. This logo shifts to random positions at user-settable intervals to prevent monitor burn (leaving a ghost image on LCD monitor).
• Semi-translucent Client-application notifies user of time used (and optionally of price).
  
• Client-side application prevents users from opening specific windows such as Control Panel or Windows Task Manager.
• Client-side application can be set to close all windows when the user logs out. Especially useful in situations where internet banking is frequent.
• Client user can be logged out from server if the proprietor considers their actions to be unsuitable.

The features that were planned for V1, but never realised, are as follows:

• Timer control on the server to set up as one of the PCs. When users bring their own laptop there is no way of keeping time of their actions. A timer allows the proprietor to accurately keep track of the amount of time a user spends.
  
• Popup on server-side application notifies proprietor of user logging out.
• Messages can be sent from the server to appear on the user's screen to notify them of unsuitable actions.
• When a the client application detects the opening of a Print Dialog, a settable message appears informing the user of prices or which printer to use.
• When a user logs in, be it a contract user or post-pay access, the default browser is automatically opened.

That's basically what I was thinking... If anyone has ideas feel free to send me a message or even e-mail me. If anyone is interested in using my application in their shops, please contact Easy Office Services.