PC Reservation® Technical Manual

Transcription

PC Reservation® Technical Manual Version 3.5 Copyright © 2000‐2011, EnvisionWare, Inc. All Rights Reserved. PC Reservation Copyright © 2000‐2011 EnvisionWare, Inc. – All rights reserved. LPT:One, and EnvisionWare are trademarks of EnvisionWare, Inc. Launch Command®, PC Reservation®, and BarcodePlus®, are registered trademarks of EnvisionWare, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Novell is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S.A. copyright law. Twenty‐Second Publication, April 2011 Published in the United States of America Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of EnvisionWare. The software described in this document is furnished under a license and distribution agreement. The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Content is based upon information available at press time. EnvisionWare, Inc. 2810 Premiere Parkway NW Suite 350 Duluth, Georgia 30097‐8917 USA PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 2
Foreword Thank you for purchasing PC Reservation, the modular solution for standalone, staff‐managed, and self‐service PC Access and Session management. PC Reservation scales to fit the needs and budget from the smallest facility to large enterprise networks with thousands of client PCs. Because of its Distributed Processing Architecture, PC Reservation provides the same performance regardless of the size of the network. Since the system is modular, a multi‐branch organization may find it convenient to install standalone client modules in a location with limited PC resources, simply to control time and limit access to the desktop. When coupled with a Management Console, reservations are seamlessly managed by staff and the public. Coupled with the included Central Management Solution, PC Reservation can be centrally managed for a multi‐branch facility or consortia. The software adapts to the needs of every library through an extensive set of setup options. EnvisionWare Mission Statement ʺTo provide our customers with quality software and exceptional service. We strive to maintain our reputation for integrity, responsiveness, and fairness, with customers, suppliers, competitors, and employees.ʺ PC Reservation has been supplied to you by EnvisionWare or by one of our worldwide distribution partners. Your CUSTOMER RECORD sent via email is a document that provides access to your on‐line license. This web document provides contact information for obtaining support. We stand behind you and our resellers to provide the highest level of support. We encourage you to provide feedback concerning new features. Thanks to feedback from customers like you, EnvisionWare has become the company that produces software that works the way you want it to. Thanks again for purchasing our products. ‐‐‐ The EnvisionWare Team PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 3
Table of Contents Section 1 – About PC Reservation..................................................................................... 8 C H A P T E R 1 – Overview of System Operation ............................................. 8 How PC Reservation Works ................................................................................................................. 8 Next Available PC Methodology .......................................................................................................... 9 Sessions-Based Model vs. Minutes-Based Model .............................................................................. 12 Sessions-Based Model vs. Minutes-Based Model Table................................................................ 12 The Session-Based Model .............................................................................................................. 14 The Minutes-Based Model ............................................................................................................. 15 Product Technology ............................................................................................................................ 16 Distributed Processing Architecture............................................................................................... 16 Remote Terminal Technology ........................................................................................................ 17 Dynamic Language Technology .................................................................................................... 18 Open Architecture Design .............................................................................................................. 18 C H A P T E R 2 – PC Reservation Components ............................................... 19 PC Reservation Modules Quick Reference Guide .............................................................................. 19 PC Reservation Modules Explained.................................................................................................... 21 Client Module ................................................................................................................................ 21 Management Console ..................................................................................................................... 21 Remote Reservation Station ........................................................................................................... 21 Reporting Module .......................................................................................................................... 22 Web Module for PC Reservation ................................................................................................... 22 Connection Manager ...................................................................................................................... 22 C H A P T E R 3 – System Requirements for PC Reservation ........................ 23 Operating System Compatibility ......................................................................................................... 23 System Requirements.......................................................................................................................... 23 Client PC ........................................................................................................................................ 23 Management Console PC ............................................................................................................... 24 Remote Reservation Station PC ..................................................................................................... 24 Web Module Server ....................................................................................................................... 25 Ports Used by PC Reservation ............................................................................................................ 25 Permissions Required for PC Reservation .......................................................................................... 25 Command Line Switches used with PC Reservation .......................................................................... 26 Identifying Parameters for EnvisionWare Install Packages ................................................................ 27 C H A P T E R 4 – Uninstalling PC Reservation ................................................ 28 Uninstalling PC Reservation from the Program Menu ..................................... 28 Uninstalling PC Reservation from Add/Remove Programs ............................. 30 C H A P T E R 5 – Planning Your Installation ................................................... 31 Installation Plan .................................................................................................................................. 32 Taking Control from Users ............................................................................................................ 35 Library Cards ................................................................................................................................. 36 What to do with the Extra Staff Time ............................................................................................ 36 Guest Users .................................................................................................................................... 37 Planning for a Broken PC ................................................................................................................... 37 Planning for Network Outages ............................................................................................................ 38 System Backup Guide ......................................................................................................................... 38 Section 2 – Installing and Configuring PC Reservation ................................................ 40 PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 4
C H A P T E R 6 – Quick Start ............................................................................... 40 Quick Start: For Existing Users Who are Updating ............................................................................ 40 Quick Start: For New Users Installing for the First Time ................................................................... 41 C H A P T E R 7 – Installing and Configuring PC Reservation ..................... 43 Step 1: Install and Configure the Management Console ..................................................................... 43 Installing the Management Console ............................................................................................... 43 Starting and Configuring the Management Console ...................................................................... 47 Step 2: Install and Configure the Client Module................................................................................. 55 Installing the Client ........................................................................................................................ 55 Configuring the Client.................................................................................................................... 62 Starting the Client Module ............................................................................................................. 65 Defining the Client Equipment Records at the Management Console ........................................... 66 Step 3: Install and Configure Remote Reservation Stations ............................................................... 68 Installing Reservation Stations ....................................................................................................... 69 Configuring Reservation Stations .................................................................................................. 73 Launch Command Configuration Options ..................................................................................... 80 Language Preference Configuration ............................................................................................... 82 Starting the Reservation Station ..................................................................................................... 85 Step 4: Closing the Modules ............................................................................................................... 85 Closing the Management Console.................................................................................................. 85 Closing the Reservation Station ..................................................................................................... 87 Closing the Client Module ............................................................................................................. 88 C H A P T E R 8 – Management Console Preferences ...................................... 91 Sessions............................................................................................................................................... 92 Reservations Tab ................................................................................................................................. 96 Warnings Tab ...................................................................................................................................... 99 PC Schedule Tab ................................................................................................................................102 Reservation Stations Tab ...................................................................................................................106 Client Settings Tab .............................................................................................................................113 Client Programs Tab ..........................................................................................................................117 Appearance Tab .................................................................................................................................120 System Tab ........................................................................................................................................125 Network Tab ......................................................................................................................................128 Security ..............................................................................................................................................130 Dynamic Filtering Control Tab ..........................................................................................................134 Validating Authority Tab ...................................................................................................................137 User Validation Tab ...........................................................................................................................152 @Client Reservations Tab .................................................................................................................164 Guest Management Tab .....................................................................................................................171 Scheduled Maintenance Tab ..............................................................................................................183 AAM Integration Tab ........................................................................................................................185 AAM Connection Using MySQL .................................................................................................186 AAM Connection Using Microsoft Access...................................................................................187 Central History ..............................................................................................................................187 Auto-create Users in the AAM Database ......................................................................................188 AAM Usage Data ..........................................................................................................................189 Time Vending Tab .............................................................................................................................192 Section 3 – Using PC Reservation ................................................................................. 198 C H A P T E R 9 – Making and Using Reservations ....................................... 198 Making Reservations .........................................................................................................................198 Making a Reservation at the Management Console (MC) or a Staff Managed Reservation Station
(SMRS) .........................................................................................................................................198 PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 5
Override Session Length ...............................................................................................................199 Feature Behavior ...........................................................................................................................200 Making a Reservation at a Self – Service Reservation Station ..........................................................201 Using @Client Reservations .........................................................................................................203 Starting a Session ..........................................................................................................................206 Working in a Session ....................................................................................................................209 Canceling a Reservation as a User ................................................................................................209 C H A P T E R 1 0 – Managing PC Reservation .............................................. 211 Using the Management Console Effectively......................................................................................211 The Management Console: Using the Configure, Actions, and Utilities Menus ...............................211 Configure Menu ............................................................................................................................211 User Validation Rules Wizard .............................................................................................211 Action Menu Choices ....................................................................................................................226 Reserving a PC Area (From the Management Console)...........................................................226 Utility Menu Choices ....................................................................................................................235 Managing PC Reservation from the Management Console or Staff Managed Reservation Station ..238 Management Console vs. Staff Managed Reservation Station Table............................................238 Section 4 – Optional PC Reservation Modules ............................................................. 257 C H A P T E R 1 1 – Installing and Using the Reporting Module .............. 257 Installation .........................................................................................................................................257 Configuration .....................................................................................................................................260 Using the Reporting Module ..............................................................................................................261 Local Date Format .............................................................................................................................265 C H A P T E R 1 2 – Installing and Using the Web Module for PC Reservation ............................................................................................................... 267 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................267 Installing an Internet Information Server (IIS) ..................................................................................267 Installing Active PERL ......................................................................................................................268 Installing the Web Module .................................................................................................................272 Creating a Virtual Directory on the Web Server ................................................................................275 Launching the PC Reservation Web Module Configuration Utility ..................................................276 Configuring the Web Module ............................................................................................................277 Launching the PC Reservation Web Module for Reservations ..........................................................278 Removing the Web Module ...............................................................................................................278 Modifying PC Reservations Web Module Password ....................................................................279 Using the Web Module ......................................................................................................................280 Managing Existing Reservations ...................................................................................................282 C H A P T E R 1 3 – Installing and Using the Connection Manager ........... 284 Installation .........................................................................................................................................285 Configuration .....................................................................................................................................285 Database Configuration (Microsoft Access) .................................................................................285 Database Configuration (MySQL) ................................................................................................286 Database Configuration (Follett) ...................................................................................................286 Using the Connection Manager..........................................................................................................288 Section 5 – Advanced Features ..................................................................................... 289 C H A P T E R 1 4 – PC Reservation and LPT:One Integration Control ..... 289 C H A P T E R 1 5 – EnvisionWare ETAPI Protocol and 3rd Party Systems
.................................................................................................................................... 290 PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 6
C H A P T E R 1 6 – Supporting Multiple Languages and Customized Text with Dynamic Language Technology™ ............................................................. 291 What is Dynamic Language Technology? .........................................................................................291 How is Dynamic Language Technology used in PC Reservation? ....................................................291 Language Preferences with Launch Command ..................................................................................292 Launch Command Configuration Options ....................................................................................292 Language Preference Configuration ..............................................................................................294 Maintaining Customized Text ............................................................................................................297 Providing Overrides for Specific Text ...............................................................................................298 Supporting Portuguese .......................................................................................................................299 Making changes to the Supported Languages settings.......................................................................300 C H A P T E R 1 7 – PC Reservation and Terminal Services ........................... 303 Appendix A Validating Authorities Chart ..................................................................... 304 Index ............................................................................................................................... 311 PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 7
Section 1 – About PC Reservation C H A P T E R 1 – Overview of System Operation Welcome to PC Reservation, the most versatile and highest performing modular approach to PC Access and Session Control. This product scales to fit your needs and can be adapted in a variety of ways to assist you with public PC management in staff‐managed and self‐service applications. How PC Reservation Works PC Reservation consists of one or more modules installed on an individual PC or networked PCs. These modules control access to the public PC desktop, the amount of time a computer may be used, and the process for signing up to use a PC. Various components may be added to adapt the system to the individual needs of your organization. You may add components later as your needs change or your budget allows. This unique modular approach enables organizations of all sizes to adapt the same software to fit their individual needs. It is important to note that the term RESERVATION refers to booking any PC whether for Immediate, Next Available, or Future use. When using the Management Console Configuration coupled with Remote Reservation Stations, the system’s “Next Available PC” feature seeks an available FULL SESSION PC, the PC in the longest extended session, or the PC most likely to be available next – seamlessly and automatically. Simultaneously, the system may locate the most available SHORT SESSION PC when the feature is ON and provide the user with two options when the library is busy and wait times are excessive. More information about assigning the next available PC can be found in the following section entitled Next Available PC Methodology. First come, first served is supported by the @Client feature, which provides a host of features unique to PC Reservation including direct at Client sign‐up and reservation swapping. PC Reservation can operate stand‐alone, with a Management Console in non‐
authenticated mode, or validating users against a Library Management System, LDAP server, or EnvisionWare’s Authentication and Accounting database. In PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 8
most cases, a separate user database is not installed, reducing maintenance and staffing associated with multi‐database management. Next Available PC Methodology The following information describes the methodology used by PC Reservation to locate the next available PC when requested by a user. PC Reservation assigns computers by searching for the one with the earliest available start time regardless of current status, as shown in the following example: Computer Selection Based on Earliest Available Start Time Computer Name Status Next Available Start Time Computer Selected Computer_1 In Use & Online 1:30 pm Computer_2 Extra Time Declined & Online 1:10 pm Computer_3 Reserved & Online 2:05 pm Computer_4 In Extra Time & Online 1:00 pm Computer_5 In Extra Time & Offline 1:05 pm Computer_6 Extra Time Declined & Offline 1:05 pm If, in the example above each computer would have had the same start time the system would have chosen the computer with the highest relative priority status for the next reservation. The system begins its search for a computer with the highest PC priority status of online and “Available”. If a computer with this status is not found the system continues searching for the computer with the next highest status on the following list using the PC status prioritization method. See the following chart for an example of this method: PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 9
PC Status Prioritization (from highest priority to least priority): 1) ʺAvailableʺ and online 2) ʺAvailableʺ and offline 3) ʺExtra Time Declinedʺ and online 4) ʺExtra Time Declinedʺ and offline 5) ʺIn Extra Timeʺ and online 6) ʺIn Extra Timeʺ and offline 7) ʺIn Useʺ and online 8) ʺIn Useʺ and offline 9) ʺReservedʺ and online 10) ʺReservedʺ and offline Computer Selection Based on Highest Priority Status Computer Name Status Next Available Start Time Computer Selected Computer_1 In Use & Online 1:00 pm Computer_2 Extra Time Declined & Online 1:00 pm Computer_3 Reserved & Online 1:00 pm Computer_4 In Extra Time & Online 1:00 pm Computer_5 In Extra Time & Offline 1:00 pm Computer_6 Extra Time Declined & Offline 1:00 pm If the system finds that there is more than one computer with the highest status priority available it chooses which of them to assign based on which computer has held its status the longest as shown in the following example: Computer Selection Based on Length of Status Computer with Highest Status Priority Status Length of time with status Computer Selected Computer_1 In Use & Online 30 Minutes Computer_2 In Use & Online 50 Minutes If, in the example above both Computer_1 and Computer_2 had held the same status for the same length of time the system would then PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 10
have assigned the computer with the first alphabetically listed NetBIOS name (computer name) as shown in the following example. As you can see, Computer_1 was chosen because it has the first alphabetically ordered NetBIOS name: Computer Selection Based on NetBIOS Name Computer with Highest Status Priority Status Length of time with status Computer_1 In Use & Online 50 Minutes Computer_2 In Use & Online 50 Minutes PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 Computer Selected 11
Sessions‐Based Model vs. Minutes‐Based Model Version 3.x of PC Reservation introduced a new philosophical and technical approach to usage limits by adding a Minutes‐based model in addition to the existing Session‐based model. Administrators may choose which model is best for their environment and configure the system accordingly. These models give Administrators and Staff flexibility in deciding how users will interact with the system and they provide two philosophical approaches to PC management. Administrators may choose whether they want users to have a certain number of sessions or logins per day that are configured to last a certain amount of time based on the time allotted per area, or they may choose to allow a certain amount of minutes per day which provides “unlimited” logins per day with a maximum minute limit. Either model is capable of providing, for example, a system that gives users two turns per day at sixty minutes each for a total of two hours but both systems implement this policy from different philosophical and feature perspectives. When installing PC Reservation you should use the information provided in this section along with the following chart to determine which model is appropriate for your environment. Sessions‐Based Model vs. Minutes‐Based Model Table Sessions‐Based Model vs. Minutes‐Based Model Session‐Based Model
Minute‐Based Model Use limits counted on a per session basis Use limits counted on a per minute basis Users are provided with a maximum number of sessions or turns per day Users are provided with a maximum number of minutes per day Users can log into PCs a certain number of times per day in order to use their available time Users can log into PCs as many times as they want as long as they have not exceeded their total number of allotted minutes for the day. Each time a user ends a session that session is subtracted from the remaining available sessions Each time a user begins to use another minute of time on a PC that minute is subtracted from the remaining available minutes PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 12
Sessions‐Based Model vs. Minutes‐Based Model Session‐Based Model
Minute‐Based Model The amount of time assigned per use is determined by the Session Length configured on the Sessions tab in the Management Console Preferences or the Area menu choice of the Management Console. The amount of time assigned per use is determined by the Session Length configured on the Sessions tab in the Management Console Preferences or the Area menu choice of the Management Console up to the maximum remaining minutes for a user. Once a session is ended, any remaining minutes in the session that have not been used are lost and cannot be used later. Unused time is not subtracted from the user’s available minutes remaining for the day and can be used later. Total time spent on Client PCs may exceed total time allowed per day due to time extensions but the number of sessions allowed per day cannot be exceeded. Auto‐
extension of time could permit longer use for users that choose to use your facilities at times when your system is not busy. Users learn to make better use of library resources at slow times in exchange for the benefit of extra time beyond normal allocations. Extra time never interferes with other user’s needs. Total time spent on Client PCs cannot exceed total time allowed per day but users can log into PCs as many times as they wish. If your usage tendency is frequent short sessions, minute limits may be preferred. However, once a user reaches the maximum minutes per day, time will not be extended even if other computers are not in use. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 13
Sessions‐Based Model vs. Minutes‐Based Model Session‐Based Model
Minute‐Based Model Choose to count no shows against users or ignore them altogether Choose to count no shows against users as a full session, count only the grace period, or ignore them altogether @Client sessions can be made up to one minute before closing. @Client sessions can be made up to one minute before closing. The Session‐Based Model When using the Session‐based Model, PC use is based on the number of times per day a user can log into a PC. Time is viewed in five‐minute blocks, which are part of a greater block of time ‐ a session. This 5‐minute block architecture is a key component of the PC Reservation design, which contributes, to the scalability of the system and the reduction of PC resources needed to host the Management Console application. Once a session is either ended early by the user or the allotted amount of minutes for that session has been reached, the user has one less session available for use that day. Users tend to evaluate their options carefully and make the most appropriate use of their time based on individual needs. If a user requires maximum time per day, those users will tend to wait until each full session is available and use their maximum turn. Others that need less time to check email, for example, may accept an available short session that may be immediately available instead of waiting for a later full session. For example, you may configure the system so that two sessions are allowed per day. Users have a chance to login to a session twice during that day and may use a PC for 60 minutes per session in the Internet area. If the user chooses to end the session before the 60 minutes has elapsed he or she will lose the remaining minutes and must log into the second 60 minute session in order to use a PC again (except in cases where automatic time extension is enabled). No matter how many of the allotted 60 minutes per session are used, the user only has two chances to use the full 120 minutes. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 14
However, if the library also has a family history area for example, that permits 90 minutes per session, a user could get more than two hours if he or she were to use one session in the 60 minute Internet area and one session in the family history area. Facilities that wish to vary session length per area will find great value in the session‐based model because specialized uses permit more time for users of those services instead of imposing a universal limit applicable to all uses. The Minutes‐Based Model The Minute‐based Model is PC Reservation’s alternative to the Session‐Based Model. The Minute‐based Model allows a user to login to a PC as many times as he/she wishes as long as they have not exceeded the allotted amount of minutes for the day. Even though the user is technically still in a “session”, the system monitors the remaining time available to the user by tracking how many of the available minutes have been used. Any minutes that are unused during an assigned reservation may be used later since usage is being tracked by the minute and not by sessions or “turns”. For example, if you impose a 120 minute per day restriction, one user might get 6 turns per day at 20 minutes per session (his or her choice) whereas another user might get one 120‐minute session. The user decides how to use the allotted amount of time available per day. The amount of time available to users per day depends on your preferences for system settings. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 15
Product Technology PC Reservation capitalizes on four core technologies developed by EnvisionWare: Distributed Processing Architecture Remote Terminal Technology Dynamic Language Technology Open Architecture Design Distributed Processing Architecture EnvisionWare software products feature Distributed Processing Architecture. This unique technology permits intelligent processing at the Client level, which enhances performance and provides the highest level of reliability. As a company with extensive networking expertise, we also realize the importance of bandwidth conservation. The Distributed Processing Architecture uses up to 50% less bandwidth than a single server‐based solution. Since time counting occurs at the Client, there is no penalty in performance for a large enterprise installation. Each Client PC manages it own session, counts time, controls the timer and issues warnings from information transmitted from the Management Console at startup or the beginning of the session. Since the technology is distributed, it also means that many of the features of the Client/Management Console model are also available in the stand‐alone Client. Using distributed processing, PC Reservation communicates as follows: Bi-directional Communication
Clients Management Console
Remote Reservation Station Management Console Management Console Library Management Server via SIP/SIP2/API/ODBC Management Console Web Module for PC Reservation via ETAPI Management Console Connection Manager via SIP to ODBC Connection Manager Authentication and Accounting Database or Follett Management Console EnvisionWare Terminal API to IVR System Database Administrator Authentication and Accounting Database Reporting Module Management Console database The following illustration shows how the various components of PC Reservation communicate with each other at the highest level of implementation. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 16
PC Reservation Communication Diagram Remote Terminal Technology EnvisionWare’s remote terminal technology enables efficient distributed management of the system via staff‐managed Remote Reservation Stations and the convenience offered to users in the self‐service mode of the above module. Remote Terminal Technology transcends the boundaries of client/server technology to enable low bandwidth, high functionality messaging between components of PC Reservation. This technology also provides the core of the EnvisionWare Terminal API, which allows third party vendors to write reservation interfaces for such products as IVR (Interactive Voice Response) systems or Electronic Messaging Systems. Simple text message can be sent and received by the voice application or EMS to enable sophisticated reservation management. The complexity of the system is internal to the Management Console and the vendor only needs to deal with simple messaging using the API. This demonstrates the scalability and openness of the PC Reservation architecture. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 17
Dynamic Language Technology Because every facility is different, and users that must deal with unique programs are often better served by viewing a software product in their native language, the DLT developed by EnvisionWare uniquely addresses these needs and provides an exclusive set of features to the customers it serves. DLT uses dynamically loading text strings that display on every system dialog. A custom messages file permits a local administrator to change the preferred text on all screens. Since this is a separate and superseding file, software updates do not affect the customization. Open Architecture Design Because the mission of EnvisionWare is software development, the software products are designed to interoperate with a wide variety of devices. Database platforms are supported in nearly all operating systems and hardware platforms. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 18
C H A P T E R 2 – PC Reservation Components PC Reservation Modules Quick Reference Guide Client Module
Where:
Installed on Windows public PC
Purpose:
Control access to the desktop, manage time limits, issue warnings,
monitor keyboard and mouse activity.
Executable:
PCRes_Client.exe
Client Configuration Utility
Where:
Installed with each Client on a Windows public PC
Purpose:
Utility manages the configuration of the PC Reservation Client
Executable:
pcres_cc.exe
Management Console
Where:
May be installed on a staff-managed workstation or on a computer in a
semi-restricted environment like a computer room.
Purpose:
Set system preferences, manage reservations, view history, control PCs,
and accumulate stats.
Executable:
PCRes_MS.exe
Remote Reservation Station
Where:
Can be used in Staff-Managed or Self-Service Mode.
Staff-Managed Mode: May be installed on a staff-managed workstation
or on a computer in a semi-restricted environment like a computer
room.
Self-Service Mode: Should be installed on a PC that is accessible to
users.
Purpose:
Provides staff-managed or self-service reservation capabilities. Allows
staff to manage reservations, view history, and control PCs when in
Staff Mode.
Executable:
PCRes_Rs.exe
Reservation Station Configuration Utility
Where:
Installed with each Reservation Station
Purpose:
Utility provides unique configuration of each Remote Reservation
Station.
Executable:
pcres_rc.exe
PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 19
Where: Reporting Module
May be installed on a staff‐managed workstation or on a computer in a semi‐restricted environment like a computer room. Purpose: Provides mechanism to filter report statistics, create CSV files, and generate HTML reports. Executable: ew_Report.exe Update Utility
Where: Installed with each Management Console Purpose: Provides for automated updating of Client modules from the Management Console. Executable: isiUpdate.exe Connection Manager
Where: May be installed on a staff‐managed workstation or on a computer in a semi‐restricted environment like a computer room. Purpose: Provides a link between a PC Reservation Management Console and the AAM Database Executable: EwConnMgr.exe PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 20
PC Reservation Modules Explained Client Module The PC Reservation Client Module is installed on each public computer. The Client initializes via the Run key in the registry or the Startup Group and blocks access to the desktop until a session is started. In stand‐alone mode, the user may enter non‐validated information to start a session. In the typical Management Console/Client model, a user submits credentials that are verified by a Validating Authority. When valid, the Client may display a use policy, start one or more applications, and/or provide access to the desktop. A timer displays the remaining session time and provides user controls to end a session early or temporarily hide the user’s screen while the user steps away from the PC. Timing, warnings, and access control are managed individually by each Client Module. Management Console The Management Console is the logic and preference center of the system in a building or branch. The Management Console is the communication point for other modules in each location as well as host to the Validation Module, which connects to an ILS user database or other validating authority. The Management Console is the main component of a PC Reservation Network installation. It is where the system settings, the reservations database, and the equipment database are stored. It also provides the ability to make or cancel reservations, view usage history, end user sessions, and even shutdown computers running the PC Reservation Client Module. The Management Console should be installed on a staff‐managed workstation or on a computer in a semi‐restricted environment like a computer room and must be running for Clients and Reservation Stations to function properly. Remote Reservation Station This module may be configured in either staff‐managed or self‐service mode. Each provides a different operation and functionality. Staff‐Managed Reservation Stations are provided with most of the capabilities offered at the Management Console. Self‐Service mode provides the public with a three‐step wizard that guides them simply through making and confirming a next use or future reservation. A receipt may optionally be printed from this station. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 21
The Self‐Service Reservation Station may be integrated on a self‐service LPT:One Release Station to share the functionality on a common PC. Reporting Module The Management Console accumulates statistics about maximum and average use that may be reported by User, Day, Day of Week, Month, Area, and PC, for example. The Reporting Module makes it possible to filter, view, print, and export this information quickly and effectively. Web Module for PC Reservation The Web Module operates on a Perl‐enabled web server to provide remote access to reservation management from users’ homes or offices. The Web Module uses the EnvisionWare Terminal API for communication with Management Consoles. As a result, the Web Module is a passive terminal accessory that imposes minimal load on a web server and does not represent a single point of system failure. Connection Manager The EnvisionWare Connection Manager provides a link between a PC Reservation Management Console and an Authentication and Accounting database for those sites that want to authenticate users but do not have or desire a link to their Library Management System, or to a Follett database via the Follett ODBC option. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 22
C H A P T E R 3 – System Requirements for PC Reservation Operating System Compatibility PC Reservation may be installed on any combination of the following operating systems: Windows 2000 Windows 2003 Server Windows XP Professional Windows XP Embedded (Reservation Station and Client only) Note: EnvisionWare does not provide support for installation on XP Home Edition systems because certain networking components are provided but not installed by default, requiring additional, specialized operating system support for configuration. System Requirements Client PC Intel Pentium 233 or better processor Minimum Installed System Memory (RAM) Windows 98: 32 MB Windows NT4.0: 64 MB Windows 2000/XP: 128 MB Windows 2003 Server: 512 MB 2 MB available Hard Drive space For Client/Management Console configurations, a computer network. (Note: PC Reservation supports the TCP/IP protocol in a peer‐to‐peer configuration. No file server is required without the Authentication and Accounting Module. May be installed on a Windows XP Embedded PC Note: The PC Reservation Client is compatible with Citrix/Terminal Services. More information about this can be found in Chapter 17.
Management Console PC Intel Pentium 266 or faster processor – depending upon location size and activity Minimum Installed System Memory (RAM) Windows 98: 128 MB [Minimum] Windows NT4.0: 256 MB Windows 2000/XP: 256 MB [512 MB Recommended] 2 GB available Hard Drive space – 4 GB Recommended depending upon location size and activity A computer network (Note: PC Reservation supports the TCP/IP protocol in a peer‐to‐peer configuration. No file server is required unless you integrate with the optional Authentication and Accounting Module. Note: Minimum configurations are affected by other applications that may be operating on the same computer. A branch with 10‐20 PCs may find it acceptable to operate a Management Console on a reference or circ PC. Busier locations may need to dedicate a Management Console. Remote Reservation Station PC Intel Pentium 233 or better processor Minimum Installed System Memory (RAM) Windows 98: 64 MB Windows NT4.0: 128 MB Windows 2000/XP: 256 MB 2 MB available Hard Drive space A computer network May be installed on a Windows XP Embedded PC Note: The PC Reservation Remote Reservation Station is compatible with Citrix /Terminal Services. More information about this can be found in Chapter 17. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 24
Web Module Server IIS version 5.0 or higher, Apache 1.33 or higher, or an equivalent web server Perl 5.6.1 or higher Ports Used by PC Reservation Management Console – 1969 (UDP) & 1970 (TCP) Reservation Station – 1969 Client – 1969 (TCP) Reporting Module – Assigned by the OS Connection Manager – 7801 (SIP to ODBC) SIP/LDAP/API – As defined by Validating Authority Permissions Required for PC Reservation Note: PC Reservation should be installed while users are logged in a Windows Administrator account or an account with full administrative rights.
At the Management Console The PC Reservation directory must be shared if you wish to support auto‐update of Clients from the Management Console (alternatively you may share auto‐update files from a server) and that shareʹs permissions should allow read access. The user must have read, write, and execute permissions to the PC Reservation directory. If configuration changes are made, the user must have rights to modify the Registry. At the Reservation Station and Client The user must have read, write, and execute permissions to the PC Reservation directory. If configuration changes are made, the user must have rights to modify the Registry. The Client requires write permissions for certain Registry keys depending on special functions enabled such as Dynamic Filtering. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 25
At the Reporting Module The user must have Read and Write access to the Management Console’s PC Reservation database (pcres.mdb ) and the Reporting Module’s PC Reservation directory. Command Line Switches used with PC Reservation A Command Line Switch changes the default behavior of an application. It is also known as an ‘Option’, or a ‘Switch’. The following list includes switches used with PC Reservation. PC Reservation Reservation Station –port: Allows a connection to the Management Console Example: –port:1969 –debug: Enables the component to run in debug mode logging all application activity pertinent to troubleshooting. Example: –debug –locale: Launches the component in a language identified in the switch. Example: –locale:en_us (English), –locale:es_us (Spanish), –locale:fr (French) –keypad:osk: Launches the component with the Microsoft Windows built in on‐screen keyboard. Example: –keypad:osk –makeresv: Launches the component in the Self‐Service mode. Example: –makeresv Client –tcpport: Allows a connection to the Management Console on the specified tcp port value. This switch must be combined with the –host switch or the –ip switch when used. Otherwise, switch not recognized. Example: –tcpport:1969 –host:255.255.255.255 or –tcpport:1969 –ip:255.255.255.255 –host: Allows a connection to the Management Console. Example: ‐host:255.255.255.255 –ip: Allows a connection to the Management Console. Example: ‐ip:255.255.255.255 –debug: Enables the component to run in debug mode logging all application activity pertinent to troubleshooting. Example: –debug PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 26
–demo: Runs the Client in a non–dedicated mode. To be used in a test environment. Example: –demo Identifying Parameters for EnvisionWare Install Packages The PC Reservtion installation packages are equipped to allow the use of command line parameters. Parameters automate various options for packages, providing flexibility and ease for installation of the software. The following table provides a list of command line parameters used with PC Reservation installer packages. Parameter & Value
Description
/S
Run a PC Reservation installer silently
while accepting defaults. Available with
all 3x installers.
–startup=runkey
Add a shortcut to the Runkey for quick
automatic startup, used for PCRes
Client 3x.
–startup=startup
Add a shortcut to the Startup Group for
normal automatic startup used for
PCRes Client 3x.
–startup=none
Start manually, no automatic startup,
used for PCRes Client 3x.
–shortcut=1
Add a shortcut to the desktop for the
PCRes Client 3x.
–ip=<ipaddress>
–port=<portnumber> Provides the IP Address and Port
number for PCRes 3x applications to
connect to the Management Console
server. Both must be included on the
command line, otherwise, they are
ignored.
–profile=1
Windows Profile Switching is enabled for
the PCRes Client 3x.
–disabletaskmgr=1
Access to the Windows Task Manager is
disabled for the PCRes Client 3x.
C H A P T E R 4 – Uninstalling PC Reservation PC Reservation’s uninstall utility allows removal of all traces of the service component via Start Menu shortcuts, Windows Control Panel, or directly from within the installation directory. All related shortcuts are deleted from the computer with the exception of shortcuts added to the desktop manually. Uninstalling PC Reservation from the Program Menu To uninstall PC Reservation using the PC Reservation uninstall utility, complete the following steps: 1. Click Start. 2. Select All Programs. 3. Select Envisionware. 4. Select PC Reservation. 5. Click Uninstall for each component (For example, Uninstall Management Console). 6. Click Uninstall. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 28
The PC Reservation Management Console Uninstall screen displays. 7. Click Close to exit the uninstall utility. The system returns to the desktop. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 29
Uninstalling PC Reservation from Add/Remove Programs To uninstall PC Reservation using the Control Panel, complete the following steps: 1. Click Start. 2. Click Control Panel. 3. Click Add or Remove Programs. The Add or Remove Programs screen displays.
4. Select PC Reservation Management Console or the component to remove. 5. Click Remove. 6. Click Close. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 30
C H A P T E R 5 – Planning Your Installation PC Reservation was designed to adapt to your existing POLICY for public PC management but it may require a different METHOD. This is because it is impossible to emulate a time‐based system on paper so chances are you are not managing in that fashion. The traditional model for manual management of PCs is a clipboard, which represents a queue‐based system. Because the clipboard is a familiar model, we tend to think in those terms and many competitive software packages operate in that mode. PC Reservation differs because it goes beyond the limitations of a queue‐based system and provides a PREDICTABLE experience for the users. Further, it overcomes some of the frustrations associated with a manual or automated queue such as lost turns caused by unexpected changes to wait times, noise caused by idle users waiting for their turn, and lack of freedom associated with the need for users to remain in the area to listen or watch for their turn. The three design goals for PC Reservation are as follows: PREDICTABLE user experience – the user will know when and where to go at exactly what time. Users will be free to make the most of their wait time in a library or campus facility. MAXIMUM UTILIZATION of resources – PC Reservation internal algorithms ensure that all of your PC resources are kept busy all the time and that all options are offered to users. REDUCED staff involvement – because of its intuitive user interface, automated linking with your existing user database, and sophisticated internal logic, PC Reservation should result in about a 40% reduction in staff PC management in the first few days of operation, and 85% reduction within approximately 30 days after deployment. Some libraries report a near 100% reduction in staff management of PC use. Note: PC Reservation should be installed while users are logged in a Windows
Administrator account or an account with full administrative rights.
Installation Plan If you contract with EnvisionWare or an EnvisionWare Strategic Partner or dealer for installation services, the typical installation plan is as follows: Promote Library Cards: Since most libraries will require a valid library card to use a computer, you will want to begin a card sign up campaign immediately so that current PC users will obtain a card or replace a lost card. This avoids long lines at the circulation desk on your go‐live date. Post Signs: Prior to the scheduled install date, post signs that advise the public of your intentions. Explain the purpose and the benefit of the new system that will improve privacy facilitate self‐service sign up for computers, and ensure fair and equitable access to all. Be prepared with a specific policy statement for staff to reiterate to users who may ask why you installed new automated software. Anticipate those that may be concerned about privacy.
On this sign or others, also notify users that there will be interruptions in computer services throughout the day of installation. By providing advance notice, you alleviate some of the frustrations that users may experience if you have problems or need to ask people to move to other systems while installing or configuring software. Planning Guide: The Planning Guide and Location Policy is a Word document available on the Product Support and Downloads page of the web site. Go to www.envisionware.com, and click on the Support tab. Click on the Registered Customer Support link and enter your customer information when prompted. Click the View/Download Software/Docs button to access the Product Support and Downloads page. Navigate to the PC Reservation section and access the file from the Location Policy Document column. Save a copy to your local hard disk. Complete as much of the form as you understand. Do not worry about questions that you do not understand because you will receive assistance for completion of that section (if you purchased System Policy Development or other services with your software). PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 32
ILS or Validating Authority Connectivity: If you are planning to link to a library user database for validation, you should work with your ILS vendor to determine the settings required for SIP, SIP2, API, or ODBC connection. The settings are typically the same as those used for a self‐check system if you operate those products for circulation. Client system permissions planning: Depending upon your security model, you may wish to consult with your 3rd party vendor (Fortres, DeepFreeze, etc) or evaluate your Policies to allow READ/WRITE access to the \PC Reservation directory for the logged in user. You can set these permissions after installation of the products but advance planning and changes, particularly to Fortres or DeepFreeze will streamline installation and ensure seamless installation and auto‐
updates. Additional information is available in the EnvisionWare Knowledge Base. If you plan to install EnvisionWare PCRefresh™ for disk rollback, your Implementation Consultant will guide you through a plan to install PCRefresh with PC Reservation. Management Console Installation: If you purchased on‐site installation, your installer will take the electronic configuration files created for you under the System Policy Development program and install on your Management Console PC. He or she will then install the software from the distribution CD or go to the Product Support and Downloads page to download and install the latest version of PC Reservation. Client Installation: Install (1) Client on a public computer and then go to the Management Console and add an Equipment Record for that computer. If this step is bypassed, the V4 PC Reservation Client will display a message informing users that an equipment record must exist for the computer before a session can be started. This functionality is not available for the PC Reservation version 3x Client. Verify operation: Use a valid library or student card(whichever is applicable) and check to see if you can reserve the newly installed Client from the Management Console and as an @Client PC (if you enabled @Client reservations.) Verify auto‐update operation: PC Reservation can easily update clients automatically when new versions are available. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 33
It is important to ensure that security is set properly and that auto‐
update can function on the first test Client prior to widespread installation on all other computers. Remote Reservation Station Install: Install the Remote Reservation station for either public or staff use (this module has two modes of operation) and ensure that you can book a Next Available Computer. Train the Staff: At this point, you have an operational system and it is an appropriate time to allow the staff to view the operation and comment on configurations and possible changes to settings. Install all additional clients: Once you are comfortable with the operation, and the staff knows how to help a user (most users will not need assistance) you are then ready for installation on the rest of the public computers in your library. After installing the software and adding each Equipment Record at the Management Console, the system is ready for public use. Reporting: If installation is complete, you are ready to install the Reporting Module on the Management Console. Run a report and allow staff to see the statistical information. Final wrap up: The staff should be counseled in some of the following operations: How to mark a PC out of service How to override “use extend time” manually How to view PC status, and view/cancel reservations How to view a user’s history to prepare for the arguments that may ensue from those users that resent loss of control over your system. Backup your PC Reservation files. A guide to backing up files can be found in Chapter 5.
Taking Control from Users Many users describe the impact of PC Reservation in terms of taking unmanaged control of public resources away from the users and giving it to the software. When users are no longer managing your resources, they may ‘blame’ the software for their inability to abuse privileges. Using the Management Console or a staff‐managed Remote Reservation Station, you can View History, filter by barcode, and quickly see exactly what happened to that user. To prevent future false reports, you can quickly show them that they were attempting to circumvent the system or not paying attention. The most important revelation you will see is that the MAJORITY of users will use the system without staff assistance, will understand the intuitive interface, and many will complement you on the ease of use and fairness of the new system. It will be important for staff to understand how to view and interpret this information. Some of the unfounded ‘complaints’ you may hear: “I didn’t get my full time”. “It cut me off for no reason.” “It reserved two different people at the same PC for the same time.” “It won’t let me make a reservation.” “I rebooted the PC and now it won’t let me make another reservation – I didn’t get my fair share of time.” The Management Console has tools to help you easily view what happened to a user and to explain that you know the ‘real story’. With respect to rebooting and needing another reservation, the user probably failed to read the screen. Simply signing on with the same PIN originally used will allow the user to continue their original session (less the reboot time). To understand how the staff will view and manage this information, refer to Chapter 10 – Managing PC Reservation. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 35
Library Cards If you are requiring a library card for self‐service, you will likely see an increase in the number of cardholders. It is important to plan adequate staffing at the circ desk to handle the increased user applications. One successful approach is to display signs well in advance of implementation so that users understand they will need a library card once the system is deployed. Another likely result of implementation is that many users will replace lost cards and others will learn to carry their cards instead of depending upon staff to look up their numbers. The benefit of the library card coupled with the convenience most users appreciate will cause many users to carry their library card at all times. A few libraries have reported issues in the Children’s area with those who forget or lose their cards frequently. The behavior may vary from one site to the next. One option is to turn off ‘Require a Valid User ID’ in the AREA settings for the Children’s Room. This would allow users in that area to use any identification to access a computer. Some libraries require that parents log children into the system and still others sign up children from the children’s staff desk. If you disable @Client reservations for the children’s area, all systems in that section will be reservable only by staff. Staff can then create a session using any identification they like (i.e. Mickey, Grinch, etc.) and tell the child to use that identification to log into a computer. What to do with the Extra Staff Time Because you do not need to register users separately or maintain a separate database and because the interface is so intuitive, the staff involvement in public PC management should decline by 35‐45% in the first week of operation. Over the course of a few months, you may see a decrease in staff involvement of as much as 85%. We’ll leave the use of that “extra” time up to you. Nevertheless, we will take the credit for virtually eliminating the confrontations and the chaos in the PC area. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 36
Guest Users Most libraries have guest users. PC Reservation contains a Guest Management system that allows staff to create temporary barcodes, User IDs, and PINS (if desired) for guests of the library. This system relies on the local PC Reservation database for storing the guest User IDs. Using the guest system, you can determine how guests will interact with PC Reservation. You may decide to allow guests fewer, greater, or equivalent privileges as library cardholders. Similar to card holders, the Guest Management system allows you to assign a guest “mask”. The mask allows you to set a starting sequence and a required number of digits. When staff chooses to make a Guest Pass, the new ID (and PIN if configured) is randomly generated by the system and stored in the local PC Reservation database. A barcode is then printed from a connected receipt printer. The inclusion of the User ID on the printed receipt is an optional setting in the Management Console’s preference settings. The Guest Management System is one of many guest control solutions. It allows guests to function just like cardholders without requiring staff supervision in order to prevent misuse of the system. The Guest Management tab is detailed fully in Chapter 8 – Management Console Preferences. An alternative to the Guest Management System is to simply enter a user’s ID or name at a staff station and advise the user which computer to use. The workflow differs from the Guest Management System by eliminating the need for a guest to visit a reservation station or sign up for use since staff performs that function. Each library has unique needs for guest management and PC Reservation accommodates a variety of options. Planning for a Broken PC Some systems profess an ‘automated’ process of handling a failure when an individual PC is not available. Automation does not consider anger, time‐
sensitive night‐before‐the‐term‐paper‐is‐due situations, or other human factors. In PC Reservation, you would use the View PC Status button to mark a PC “Out of Service”. You can graphically view the reservation status of all PCs in the library and determine your options for handling a user that was scheduled on the broken PC. The staff can be all powerful with PC Reservation. You can log a user in to a scheduled PC as an override, manually book a specific PC, create a future reservation for that user, or let the system automatically find the next available PC. Naturally, the automated process that allows the system to find the Next Available PC is the most seamless means to accommodating users that lose a session. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 37
Planning for Network Outages PC Reservation is designed as a self‐contained application that resides in a directory, generally C:\Program Files\EnvisionWare\PC Reservation, and a registry key: Interface Software. Prior to a failure, you can copy your PREFERENCES and database (pcres.mdb file in the /PC Reservation directory) to a backup location. You could quickly set up another PC and have it running as a Management Console in a matter of minutes. See the following System Backup Guide for more information. If you cannot communicate with the ILS for an extended period, go to PREFERENCES and turn off the requirement to validate users during that period. If you cannot communicate between Clients and the Management Console or if the Management Console PC hardware fails, the current Client sessions will continue until their expiration time. After that, the staff can issue the standby stand‐alone password to users until network communications are restored. System Backup Guide A backup of system files should be performed after your system has been completely configured. System backup instructions are provided below: Export the following registry key from the Management Console onto the new computer after installing and updating the Management Console on the new PC. This registry key holds most system settings. \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Interface Software Copy the following files from C:\Program Files\Envisionware\PC Reservation on the Management Console to C:\Program Files\Envisionware\PC Reservation on the new Management Console after you have installed and updated the new Management Console: pcres.mdb Area configurations and Guest Pass are contained in this Access database PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 38
localmsgs.inf Contains all “Warnings” created system wide and per Area. Contains all text that is created using during system configuration. pcres.ini Maintain if there have been additions to the default values of the file as directed by reseller or Envisionware. This file is used to initialize, or set parameters, for the PC Reservation Client and other specified programs. It stores and retrieves settings and serves as an alternate means of holding configuration values other than that of the registry settings. pcrmsgs.inf Maintain if changes were made with the authorization of your reseller Default message file, which contains all messages, tags, and labels in the system. custmsgs.inf Maintain if customized messages were created Enables the creation and implementation of custom messages in the system. SipScript.cfg Maintain if applicable to your validating authority Allows connectivity to SIP interface via a telnet connection. pcrUserValidate.inf Maintain if applicable to your configuration Contains all rules created in Preferences of one Management Console. papiRulesList.cfg
Maintain if applicable to your configuration Applies only to those using Innovative Patron API Contains all rules created in Preferences of one Management Console. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 39
Section 2 – Installing and Configuring PC Reservation C H A P T E R 6 – Quick Start Quick Start: For Existing Users Who are Updating All of your existing settings are preserved during the update. By default all new features are disabled, ensuring continued use of your system without policy changes. You should make a backup copy of your database (pcres.mdb) file before installing the upgrade. Although there is no known issue with upgrading, this is an advised precaution when updating any database‐
driven system. If you are using PC Reservation with the Authentication and Accounting Module, install the latest version of the AAM Database Administrator and start the program to update the AAM file structure. (See the AAM Technical Manual for further information.) Installation files may be downloaded from our Product Support and Downloads page. These files may be used whether you are performing a full installation of PC Reservation or just upgrading the software from a previous version. Follow the instructions on the download site to apply updates to your current installation. If you are performing an upgrade from a previous installation remember to install the Remote Reservation Software update in all locations where you presently operate a self‐service or staff‐managed Remote Reservation Station. The Remote Reservation Station software DOES NOT upgrade automatically. If your security policies permit the auto‐update utility to function, your Clients will upgrade automatically. Alternatively, install the new Client software on each PC. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 40
If you own a license for the Web Module for PC Reservation, install the updated files onto your web server. Test your system – Make a reservation at the Reservation Station or Management Console and use the User ID and/or PIN number to log in at the Client. Review the contents of the Release Notes on the Product Support and Downloads page on the EnvisionWare web site to determine if you want to enable any of the new features. PC Reservation operates on Windows 98, NT4 SP 6+, Windows 2000, Windows 2003 Server, XP Professional, and XP Embedded (Reservation Station and Client only). Quick Start: For New Users Installing for the First Time Note: PC Reservation should be installed while users are logged in a Windows Administrator account or an account with full administrative rights. Perform a complete installation of PC Reservation from your install CD or download the full installer from the EnvisionWare Product Support and Downloads page. Full installers downloaded from the web site may be used whether you are doing a complete install of the software or just upgrading. [OPTIONAL] If you are licensed for the Authentication and Accounting Module and plan to use an AAM database for Central History, System‐wide restrictions, time vending, or as a Validating Authority, you should refer to the Authentication and Accounting Module Technical Manual and install the AAM database before configuring the rest of the components. This is not mandatory however certain preferences described in this manual do not function properly until the AAM is installed. (See the AAM Technical Manual for more information.) PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 41
Install the Management Console – typically on an information or circulation PC depending upon number of connected Clients, or on a dedicated Workstation or Server. Start the Management Console from the Windows Program menu. Configure Preferences – Session length, grace period, filtering defaults and hundreds of other customizable settings, or apply the policy file provided by the System Policy Development service. Define PC Areas (optional) – Areas may be locations or PC functions. You may set descriptions, time per Area, color code, schedule, instructions, validation requirements, and additional preferences. Install the Client Module(s) and start the Clients. Define Equipment Records – At the Management Console, click on Utilities, and select View Connected Clients. Next, click on a specific connected PC and then click Add Equipment Record. Repeat for each Client in the list. Alternatively, from the menu, select Configure/Equipment Records and click Add Auto. If this step is bypassed, the V4 PC Reservation Client will display a message informing users that an equipment record must exist for the computer before a session can be started. This functionality is not available for the PC Reservation version 3x Client. (Optional) Install Remote Reservation Stations from the CD and update if necessary. Configure Reservation Stations (if installed) to run in self‐service or staff‐managed mode. Optionally, define managed Areas and receipt printer settings. Test your system – Make a reservation at the Reservation Station or Management Console. Note: The default administrator and staff password in the system is ‘envisionware’ without the quotes.
C H A P T E R 7 – Installing and Configuring PC Reservation Step 1: Install and Configure the Management Console Installing the Management Console Install the Management Console on a designated computer. This can be a staff‐
managed computer or a server located in a semi‐restricted environment such as a computer room. After downloading the installer from the Customer Center, browse to its location and start the installation program. The following installation steps depict actions performed using the Full installer. Read the instructions and click Next> to continue. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 43
Choose to install the Management Console and click Install to continue. Select Next> to continue. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 44
Read the agreement, choose to accept the terms in the License Agreement and continue. Otherwise, select Cancel to exit the installation. Select Next> to continue. Otherwise, deselect the desired checkbox and continue. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 45
Accept the default path as your installation directory. Otherwise, click on the button to locate a customized path for installation, select Install to continue. Once the installation is complete, click Close to shutdown the Setup program for all open windows. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 46
When the installation is complete, you must place your EnvisionWare license file in the newly created EnvisionWare directory (C:\Program Files\EnvisionWare). To obtain your license file and registration information please access our Support page and click the View/Download My License button. Starting and Configuring the Management Console On the computer where the Management Console has been installed, click Start, choose Programs, and select the EnvisionWare program group created by the installation program. Select PC Reservation and click the Management Console icon. The Management Console must be running in order for the Client Module or Reservation Station start. These two components rely on constant communication with the Management Console for normal operation. A special mode called Stand‐Alone Mode enables Clients to continue operation in the event that communications are interrupted between Clients and the Management Console. More information can be found in the Security Tab section of Chapter 8 – Management Console Preferences. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 47
Configuring System Options Before you can use the PC Reservation system, you must define the settings that govern the overall system behavior. At the Management Console, press the Preferences button on the toolbar. A multi‐tabbed dialog box will appear. Each tab has a series of related options that will allow you to customize the behavior of PC Reservation. Set the options as appropriate for your environment. For a thorough description of each option, see Chapter 8 – Management Console Preferences. Defining the PC Areas If you wish to divide the PCs on your network into physical or logical areas, you must define each area. Each area may have individual settings that differ from those set in the system Preferences. The following chart shows which settings may be defined on a per area basis as well as a system‐wide basis: Location and Area Settings Comparison Chart Comparison of Location(Branch) and Area Settings Area settings override branch settings when activated Setting Session Length
Location Settings
Area Settings
Maximum Sessions/Minutes per day
Grace period
Allow extra time if no one is waiting Extra time increment Maximum extra time Allow users to Lock sessions Enable Web Reservations Foreground/Background Color Allow @Client Reservations Require Valid User ID Use is exempt from usage restrictions Enforce Concurrent Limits Charge per minute Warning Messages PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 48
Comparison of Location(Branch) and Area Settings Area settings override branch settings when activated Setting Location Settings
Area Settings
Start programs Logon instructions Schedule (Opening and Closing) Filter Settings This feature allows for groups of PCs to behave differently than those in other areas. A physical area might be a children’s area in a library. The PCs in that area could have a different color scheme for the idle screen, and they could have a shorter time limit than PCs in the general use area. A logical area might be a collection of computers with similar configurations. For example, some PCs might be configured specifically for word processing, while others might have applications for browsing the Internet or accessing email. While they may all be in one physical area, each set has a different logical configuration. To define the PC Areas list, select PC Areas from the Configure menu. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 49
Use the Add, Edit, and Remove buttons to define and maintain individual areas. You may define AREA names now. You may wish to defer making additional settings on this dialog until you have entered your Management Console system settings under PREFERENCES which will provide familiarity with the settings. Note: The settings chosen for each specific area override system settings found in Preferences. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 50
Enable custom session settings for this area Allows you to specify unique session settings for this particular area. The custom session options are not available unless this box is checked. Any of the custom session settings chosen here override session settings found on the Sessions tab in Preferences. Session Length Allows you to specify a unique session length for this particular area. The length that you specify overrides the Session Length specification on the Sessions tab in Preferences. Allow Extra Time Used to determine whether a user may be given more time on a computer if no one has reserved his or her computer. Once there are five minutes remaining in the session the Client Module sends a request to the Management Console for more time. If no reservation exists for the computer, the Management Console grants the request and the session may be extended depending on the setting found on the Sessions tab in Preferences. If this setting is enabled, the user is given a choice of whether or not to extend the session. If the setting is disabled, the session will automatically be extended without the user being given a choice. A message is shown on the screen informing the user of the extension. Extra Time Increment Used to define the number of minutes by which a session may be extended Maximum Extra Time Determines the total amount of extra time a user may be granted during a session. (0 in this field indicates unlimited extra time.) Example: 5 minutes extra time increment setting with 10 minutes maximum extra time setting means a user’s session may be extended two times during a session after his/her initial session time has elapsed. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 51
Allow Users to Lock Sessions Used to determine if users are allowed to lock their sessions. Locking a session permits a user to step away without concerns over losing the PC to another user or having it timeout due to inactivity. Remaining session time continues to decrease during this time. Enable Custom Reservation Settings for this Area Allows you to specify unique reservation settings for this particular area. The custom reservation settings are not available unless this box is checked. When checked any settings also located in PREFERENCES are overridden by the custom settings chosen for this area. Allow @Client Reservations
Determines whether @Client Reservations are permitted in this area. When enabled, @Client Reservations allow a user to request an available computer without having to first make a reservation from a Reservation Station. Require a Valid User ID Used to direct PC Reservation to verify the user ID with the Validating Authority (Integrated Library System server, AAM database, or None) before allowing the reservation to be made. At Staff‐Managed Reservation Stations and the Management Console, an override button allows the reservation to be made regardless of the fact that the user has been shown to be invalid. Use is exempt from Usage Restrictions Permits you to exempt an area from the total use count. A common application of this preference is for Express areas where the library controls the number of uses on all machines EXCEPT Express. Enforce Concurrent Limits Determines whether users are permitted to simultaneously hold more than one reservation in this area. If you permit more than one use per day, then concurrency determines whether users may have only one reservation at a time for a day or multiple reservations for a day. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 52
For example, if you allow 3 uses per day but do not allow concurrent reservations, then a user may have only 1 reservation at any given time for a day. Once a reservation has been consumed, he or she can have another session. This has no bearing on future reservations because the system views each day separately. Key: If the setting shown below (found on the User Validation tab) is enabled in addition to the Concurrent Limits area setting, the central history database will also be checked for concurrent reservations when a user makes a reservation. Charge Per Minute If Time Vending is used, this setting determines how many cents are charged per each minute of time used on a PC in this area. Allow Web Reservations When using the Web Module for PC Reservation, this setting allows you to enable PCs included in this area to be reserved via the web. By default, all AREAS are inaccessible to the Web Module. You may wish to have some of the PCs in your library exempt from Web reservations to ensure availability for users who are in the library. This setting would be left unchecked for exempt areas. Warnings Allows you to schedule warnings for active sessions. Configuration information can be found in Chapter 8 – Management Console Preferences in the Warnings tab section. Start Programs Allows you to configure programs that should start when a session starts. Configuration information can be found in Chapter 8 – Management Console Preferences in the Client Programs tab section. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 53
Logon Instructions Allows you to specify unique logon instructions for computers that are included in the area. The logon instructions are displayed on the logon screen found on each Client PC. Instructions entered here override the default instructions found on the Client Settings tab in Preferences. Schedule This is similar to what is found on the PC Schedule tab in Preferences. See Chapter 8 – Management Console Preferences Filter Settings Allows you to specify whether to Always apply the Internet filter, Never apply the Internet filter, or to Always offer the user a filtering choice for reservations in this area. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 54
Step 2: Install and Configure the Client Module Installing the Client Install the PC Reservation Client on all public access computers identified by the system administrator. Install the Client using your installation CD or installer located on the EnvisionWare Product Support and Downloads page at http://licensing.envisionware.com/login.php. Tip: Alternatively, you can install the Client Module via the network share created by the Management Console. For Windows XP, this share allows access to other computers on the network. To access this shared resource from a client computer, press Start, choose Run, and type \\name_of_management_console\Program Files\Envisionware\PC Reservation\. (Replace name_of_management_console with the computer name of the Management Console’s host computer.) Click the Client folder in the list that appears and click the SETUP.EXE to install the Client. PC Reservation’s Client install package has new options which gives the system administrator increased control and automated configuration options. After downloading the installer from the Customer Center, browse to its location and start the installation program. The following installation steps depict actions performed using the Full installer. Read the instructions and click Next> to continue. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 55
Choose to install the Client and click Install to continue. Select Next> to continue. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 56
Read the agreement, choose to accept the terms in the License Agreement and continue. Otherwise, select Cancel to exit the installation. Accept the default path as your installation directory. Otherwise, click on the button to locate a customized path for installation, select Install to continue. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 57
Add Run Key entry allows the Client to start quickly and before other application shortcuts contained in the Windows Startup group. This option is suitable to prohibit circumvention of the application. Add Startup Group shortcut allows the Client to start automatically. No Automatic Startup, the Client must be started manually. Choose to add shortcuts to the desktop and/or enable Dynamic Windows Profile Switching. This option may also be enabled via the Client Configuration Utility. For more information about configuring the Client in Dynamic Window Profile Manager Mode please see Chapter 10 – Managing PC Reservation. Select Install to continue. Remove Access to Windows Task Manager (Recommended) select this option to block users from accessing the application and receiving unlimited computer access. Users can access the system from the Windows Task Manager, Windows Task bar and Windows Security. Wait for network during computer logon (Recommended) EnvisionWare recommends accepting this option in the event the PC Reservation Client starts before the computer’s network settings are initialized and ready. This action safeguards against a PCRes Client starting and not being able to connect to the Management Console via network settings. The configuration key is ‘SyncForegroundPolicy’ and may hold the following values: 1=Windows waits for a network connection before starting programs on the computer. 0 or an absent ‘SyncForegroundPolicy’ key=Windows programs start immediately after reboot or startup of the computer regardless of network availability. Key located in the following directory: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon. IMPORTANT!: This configuration alters the Windows settings for the computer. Therefore, if the PC Reservation Client is uninstalled, the value retained at the above registry location remains unchanged. Whether PC Reservation is running or not, Windows will not start any program until it has a network connection. If you are presently controlling this type of behavior via a 3rd party program, please ensure to DESELECT this option during your upgrade or installation. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 58
Local Password and Confirm Password: The configuration key is ‘Pwd To Close’ and may hold the following values: Local PC Reservation Client admin password – Assumes this value by default. Admin password recorded in ‘Preferences’ of the Management Console via the ‘Security’ tab – Assumes this value once connection to the Management Console is established. The existing local PCRes Client password is overwritten. Key located in the following directory: \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Interface Software\PCRES\Client config Local Computer Use Policy: System Administrators must browse to locate an existing Use Policy because the field is read‐only. Click on the file and the full path and file name is written in the field provided. The installer adds a copy of the policy file to the PCRes Client’s installation directory. If the user chooses to save their configuration files for remaining PCRes Client installations, the installer creates an additional copy of the use policy within the folder of the PCRes Client install package along with the configuration file. Thereafter, as the I.T. rep or Implementation Consultant continues installing remaining PCRes Clients, the use policy is automatically added PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 59
to the PCRes Clients installation directory and the screen to select this option is now bypassed. This behavior is very beneficial as it minimizes the time it takes to complete installation of all PCRes Clients. Save my configuration to file for use on other machines: “Save my configuration to file for use on other machines” is checked on the last page of the Client installer, the installer reads and writes all PC Reservation Client settings established during installation to a newly created PCResClientSavedConfig .ini file. The installer stores the PCResClientSavedConfig.ini file in the same directory where the Client Installer ran. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 60
When an I.T. rep or Implementation Consultant continues installing remaining PCRes Clients, the installer is launched with the config file. The installer runs silently using the settings from the file and without Intervention. Once the installation is complete, the PC Reservation Client starts automatically (if it’s selected during installation). Therefore it is recommended the Management Console be installed and configured prior to installing all remaining PCRes Clients. Start PC Reservation® Client Module Starts the PCRes Client immediately after installation is complete PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 61
Once the installation is complete, click Close to shutdown the Setup program for all open windows. Configuring the Client Client Configuration Utility By default, when the Client is connecting to a Management Console it needs no local configuration. Throughout development, new security features have been added to the Client to prohibit user circumvention of Client initialization. At the Client PC, run the Client Configuration utility from the PC Reservation program group. The following screen displays: PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 62
Start the Client from the Run registry key (remove from the Startup Group) Checking this option will cause an entry for the PC Reservation Client to be created in the Run key found in the computer’s registry. The Run key is an alternative to the Windows Startup Group for automatically starting programs after a user logs in to the PC. While it is possible to by‐pass the Windows Startup Group with certain key combinations, the entries in the Run key are always executed. Launching the Client from the Run key may also cause the Client to start sooner and this can also prevent users from having the chance to attempt to bypass the Client(If the system is configured to have Client PCs to logoff or reboot between sessions). Once this option has been selected and the Run key exists, the Run key option is disabled. To remove the Run key entry, you must manually remove the registry setting found in: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run Run the Client in Dynamic Windows Profile Manager Mode
Allows the Client to apply the settings specified for the profile that corresponds to that user’s ID. When a user makes a reservation the system checks the rules list that you have created in the User Validation Rules Wizard. If any profile rules exist the first profile rule found in the list that applies to that user will be applied to their reservation. If the user attempts to login to their reservation while the Client PC is logged in with a Windows profile that does not match their User ID, the system will then perform a logoff and automatically log the system back in under the appropriate profile for that particular user. Run the Client on a private desktop (Windows NT, 2000, and XP Only) Checking this option will cause the Client to create a new, private desktop on which it will execute. This private desktop will be completely empty except for the Client and any programs that are started by the Client when a user starts a session. (If the Client starts any kind of menu program, the items started from the menu also appear on the private desktop.) There will be no Start Button, Taskbar, or Desktop Icons. For sites that do not use user profiles or the Dynamic Windows Profile Manager to customize the Client PCs, the private desktop feature may be used to restrict users to a limited set of applications. Private Desktops are not supported on Windows 98. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 63
Hide the Windows Taskbar during Initialization
Checking this option will cause the Windows Taskbar to be hidden immediately when the Client begins its initialization phase. Choosing to hide the Taskbar automatically causes the Start Button to be hidden as well. Hide the Windows Start Button during Initialization Checking this option will cause the Windows Start Button to be hidden immediately when the Client begins its initialization phase. The Start Button is automatically hidden when the Taskbar is hidden as well. Hiding the Start Button also effectively disables the special Windows hotkey on keyboards where it is present. Require a password to close during Initialization Checking this option will cause the Client to require that a special local password be entered if an attempt is made to close the Client during its initialization phase. This is not the same password as the Staff or Administrative password defined at the Management Console, and it is valid only when one tries to close the Client during initialization. If this option is enabled, the desired password must be entered twice to confirm it was entered correctly since the characters are masked with ‘*’. (The default password is envisionware.) Maximize the “Please Wait … Initializing” Window Checking this option causes the “Please Wait … Initializing” window to fill the computer screen until the Client is fully initialized. This prevents a user from accessing any desktop icons that might be visible with the smaller default window. Maximum Number of Reconnection Attempts Maximum amount of times the Client will reattempt to connect to the Management Console if the initial connection attempt is unsuccessful PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 64
Starting the Client Module Once the Client Module software has been installed, you may start the application ensuring that the Management Console is running. To start the Client, press Start, choose Programs, and select the EnvisionWare program group created by the installation program. Click on PC Reservation and select the PC Reservation Client Module icon. Since the PC Reservation 3x version Client gets all of its settings from the Management Console, no local configuration is required at each Client. However, once the Client’s equipment record (see below) has been created, it may be necessary to restart the Client to ensure the color scheme for the area in which the Client will be assigned is used on the idle screen. Alternatively, you can create the equipment records manually before starting the Client Module on each public PC. When you reboot the Client, it shows the new ‘friendly description’ assigned during the Equipment Record configuration process at the Management Console, adopt the color code for the PC Area in which it is located, and assume the properties of the area based upon your configuration of the PC Area to which the computer belongs. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 65
Defining the Client Equipment Records at the Management Console Each computer managed by PC Reservation must have an equipment record before it is available to be scheduled. Equipment records are defined at the Management Console, and they can be defined manually or automatically by clicking on each client in the list of connected clients. If this step is bypassed, the V4 PC Reservation Client will display a message informing users that an equipment record must exist for the computer before a session can be started. This functionality is not available for the PC Reservation version 3x Client. Note: The easiest method is to use the ‘Connected Client List’. This method ensures proper spelling and syntax of Client computer names. Defining Equipment Records using the Connected Clients List At the Management Console, choose View Connected Clients from the Utilities menu. This displays a list of computers running either the PC Reservation Client Module or the Remote Reservation Station. When you click on a computer in the list, the status of the buttons along the right edge of the dialog change. Computers listed with a RED icon do not have an established equipment record, the Add Equipment Record button is enabled, and you should click it to define an equipment record for that computer. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 66
Defining Equipment Records Manually At the Management Console, choose Equipment Records from the Configuration menu. Use the Add Manual, Add Auto, Edit, and Remove buttons to define and maintain the equipment records for each client. When defining the equipment records manually, you must know the NetBIOS computer name of each client computer. The computer name is used to match a connected Client Module to the computer’s equipment record. Note: Spaces in the computer name will be converted to underscores in the Equipment List which may cause issues because the Client’s PC name does not have an underscore. To avoid name discrepancies, use the Add Auto button to invoke the Utilities/View Connected Clients method instead of adding records manually. Regardless of the method you choose, you will supply details about each PC using the Maintain Equipment Record dialog. The Computer Name field is the NetBIOS name of the computer. The Description field is optional and may be used as the primary identifier for PCs throughout the PC Reservation system. If the Description field is left blank, the NetBIOS name of the computer appears on the Client’s screen‐saver. If you are also using LPT:One for print management, the Description can be used for display at the Release Station by enabling PC Reservation Integration in LPT:One’s preference files. The Location field is also optional. The value contained in this field will appear on the on‐screen reservation confirmation and may be printed on reservation receipts. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 67
The PC Area field determines what area or group this PC belongs to. If PC Areas are used, users may request a computer from a specific area when making a reservation. Step 3: Install and Configure Remote Reservation Stations If you are planning to use Remote Reservation Stations you should install them next. The Remote Reservation Stations may be configured to allow users to sign up for computer use without any staff assistance (Self‐Service Mode), or they may be configured to allow staff members to assist users with the sign up process (Staff‐Managed Mode). The interfaces used for each mode are very different, and more options are available when using the Staff‐Managed mode. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 68
Installing Reservation Stations Install the Reservation Station on a designated computer. This can be a staff‐
managed computer of which is used for other functions in addition to the Reservation Station. Install the Reservation Station using your installation CD or installer located on the EnvisionWare Product Support and Downloads page at http://licensing.envisionware.com/login.php. After downloading the installer, browse to its location and start the installation program. The following installation steps depict actions performed using the Full installer. Read the instructions and click Next> to continue. Choose to install the Reservation Station and click Install to continue. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 69
Select Next> to continue. Read the agreement, choose to accept the terms in the License Agreement and continue. Otherwise, select Cancel to exit the installation. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 70
Accept the default path as your installation directory. Otherwise, click on the button to locate a customized path for installation, select Install to continue. Select Next> to continue. Otherwise, deselect the desired checkbox and continue. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 71
Select the Connection Information and click install. Once the installation is complete, click Close to shutdown the Setup program for all open windows. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 72
Configuring Reservation Stations If all of the Remote Reservation Stations connected to a single Management Console will have a common configuration (i.e., all are self‐service with the same color scheme), then you may configure all of the Reservation Station options through the Preferences toolbar button at the Management Console. If each Reservation Station needs to have a special or unique configuration, you may configure each one using the Reservation Station Configuration Utility located in the Program group at each Reservation Station. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 73
General Options This Reservation Station is Staff Managed In this mode, staff can make, view, and cancel reservations, and manage PC status. Printing margins for Guest Passes are configurable with this option. The Reservation Station program is designed to run alongside other applications, like a library circ application or Internet browser. The Reservation Station running in staff mode appears below. Remote Reservation Station in STAFF Mode Use the setting from the Management Console This setting determines whether the Reservation Station settings stored at the Management Console will be used to make this Reservation Station dedicated or non‐dedicated. When running as a dedicated self‐service Reservation Station, the Reservation Station program takes over the entire screen and is the only application that may be run on the computer. When running as a non‐dedicated Reservation Station, the program runs in a sizable window so that other applications may be run on the same computer. A staff password is required to close the Reservation Station when running non‐dedicated. To close a dedicated Reservation Station, hold down the CTRL key and click the PC Reservation logo. Then enter the staff password. This computer is a dedicated Reservation Station If the dedication setting from the Management Console is not used, this option determines whether the Reservation Station is dedicated or non‐dedicated. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 74
Customize Available PC Areas If multiple PC Areas have been defined at the Management Console, this button provides a way to indicate which areas are utilized from the Reservation Station being configured. When it is pressed, a new dialog box appears as shown in the following example. Allow users to NOT specify a PC Area Determines whether the choice is displayed in the list of available PC Areas. If this box is checked and the user clicks on this option in the list of available PC Areas, the user will be given the next available PC regardless of the area to which it is assigned. If the box is not checked, the user must select a specific PC Area, even if he or she chooses to simply select the pre‐selected entry. Note: If the selection is chosen at the Reservation Station, the system will search for the first available PC in ALL areas that are configured for that Reservation Station.
Allow users to select from the following PC Areas This list determines what areas will be shown in the area selection window (example follows) when a user is making a reservation. Use the Add and Remove buttons to manage the areas in the list. Area names entered into this list must match exactly, the names of the areas defined at the Management Console (except for capitalization). If the list is blank, then all areas will be offered to the user. Make Default When an area name is selected in the list, pressing this button will make the selected area the default selection when the list is displayed to the user when making a reservation. Note: The options for customizing the available PC Areas list do not affect Staff Managed Reservation Stations (SMRS). When making a reservation from a SMRS, all areas will be available as well as the “Any” option regardless of the configuration of the Reservation Station. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 76
Receipt Printing System administrators can view and use any printer, which exists in the host machine’s Printers and Faxes folder. This includes the Windows shared printers added to the Reservation Station’s host computer. Use the settings from the Management Console Determines whether the receipt printing settings will come from the Management Console’s Reservation Station tab settings. Allow users to print Reservation Receipts Determines whether users are permitted to print reservation receipts. Print a receipt for every reservation When checked, the receipt will be printed automatically after the user accepts the reservation. When unchecked, the user will be offered the choice to print a receipt after accepting the reservation. Printer name Determines the printer on which the receipt will be printed. If blank, the Reservation Station prints the receipt on the default Windows printer. You may use the browse button to the right of this field to display a list of printers from the Printers and Faxes folder. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 77
This includes any available Windows shared printers displays the following screen: Pressing Fields to Include on the Receipt Used to determine what information is printed on the receipt. Message to print at the bottom of the receipt An optional message that will print at the bottom of each receipt. This text should be formatted exactly as it should print on the receipt. This includes the placement of the line breaks. Due to variations among printer drivers and because many receipt printers use generic printer drivers or a paper size that does not match the actual size of the paper, PC Reservation does not automatically wrap this text when printing it on the receipt. The text may include embedded printer control codes to force the printer to print in color, wide or condensed text, bold or underline text, or to cut the paper. The specific codes required and the features supported will vary according to the make and model of the receipt printer. Please refer to your receipt printer documentation PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 78
for information about using these features. To embed the codes in the text, use the following guide: <ESC> ‐ forces PC Reservation to embed the Escape character in the text <CTRL‐X> ‐ forces PC Reservation to embed CTRL‐A through CTRL‐Z (depending on what is used in place of X) <XX> ‐ forces PC Reservation to embed the hexadecimal value represented by XX. For example, <43> would cause PC Reservation to embed 43H (where H indicates the number is hexadecimal) in the text. Note: All embedded codes should be UPPERCASE. The following is true for the previous examples: Receipt printer turns on bold printing when it sees ESC‐G‐1 Turns off bold printing when it sees ESC‐G‐0 Therefore, to make EnvisionWare print in bold, the text would include <1B>G1. <1B> This includes the hexadecimal number for the ESC key. (<ESC> could have been used as well.) To stop printing bold, the text includes <1B>G0. These special characters will not print on the receipt itself. Instead, they will be interpreted by the printer as instructions for turning bold printing on and off. Number of blank lines at the bottom of the receipt An optional number of line feeds that might help to eject the receipt to a point where it may be easily torn from the printer. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 79
Color Scheme Use the settings from the Management Console Determines whether the color settings will come from the Management Console’s Reservation Station tab settings. You may use the Background and Foreground buttons to adjust the screen and text colors used at this Reservation Station. The Sample area allows you to preview your color choices. Launch Command Configuration Options When used to launch the Reservation Station, the Launch Command menu may be used to configure certain startup and operation functionality using command line parameters. By default, the Launch Command menu already contains several of these parameters however others may be added as necessary. The default Reservation Station entry found in the Launch Command menu is shown below as well as a chart containing the details of each control parameter that may be used. Launch Command’s default Reservation Station menu entry PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 80
Reservation Station Configuration Parameters for Launch Command Menu
Configuration Switch
Default
Purpose ‐makeresv Causes the Reservation Station to launch in “non‐
dedicated mode”. When launched in this mode the screen saver does not appear and cover the entire screen. Only login text and reservation selection text are shown. ‐parent=%ParentWindow% Causes the Reservation Station to be launched on top of the Launch Command menu which would otherwise hide the Reservation Station from users. It is not recommended that this command line be removed. ‐locale: Allows you to configure the Reservation Station to run in English, Spanish, or French. Possible Values: “en_us”, “es_us”, “fr” ‐keypad:osk Launches an on‐screen keyboard for use with the Reservation Station. ‐port: Allows the Reservation Station to manually connect (vs. connection via broadcast) to the Management Console using the specified port. Example: “‐port: 1969” ‐demo Launches the client in a non‐
dedicated mode. The screen saver appears with borders. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 81
Reservation Station Configuration Parameters for Launch Command Menu
Configuration Switch
Default
Purpose A user can click on the top border and drag the screen to another location on the screen. Language Preference Configuration The Reservation Station may be configured to run in English, Spanish, or French mode so that users have a choice in which language to view the Reservation Station interface text when reserving a PC. Configuration of the language preference is done by adding a command line switch to the Reservation Station shortcut or, if using Launch Command, to the Reservation Station link found in the Launch Command menu script. The following steps explain how to configure the Reservation Station for use with language preferences. Providing One Language Preference Configuring Language Preferences Using Launch Command: Navigate to the Launch Command directory which, by default, is located in C:\Program Files\EnvisionWare\Launch\Menus, and open the menu using a text editor such as WordPad. Locate the HTML code used to launch the Reservation Station (shown below): PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 82
Add a locale command line switch to the end of the Reservation Station launch path found in the Launch Command menu by typing one of the following: “ –locale: EN_US” to launch the Reservation Station in English mode “ –locale: ES_US” to launch the Reservation Station in Spanish mode “ –locale: FR” to launch the Reservation Station in French Canadian mode An example of a Reservation Station launch path that has been configured to launch in Spanish mode: 
<a href="launch://C:\Program Files\EnvisionWare\PC
Reservation\pcres_rs.exe -makeresv -parent=%ParentWindow% locale:ES_US">
As shown in the following example, edit the text shown on the Launch Command menu representing the Reservation Station so that the user is able to identify the language preference. In this example we have changed the default text “Reserve a Computer” to “Reservar una Computadora” for Spanish speaking users. 
Reservation\pcres_rs.exe -makeresv -parent=%ParentWindow%"
style="text-decoration:none;color:black"> Reservar una
computadora </a></font></h3>
When editing is complete, save the menu script. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 83
Setting the language preference using the application shortcut: If one does not exist, create a user accessible shortcut to the Reservation Station Right‐click the shortcut and select Properties Add a locale command line to the end of the Target path for the shortcut by typing one of the following and click OK. “ –locale: EN_US” to launch the Reservation Station in English mode “ –locale: ES_US” to launch the Reservation Station in Spanish mode “ –locale: FR” to launch the Reservation Station in French Canadian mode Providing More Than One Language Preference Multiple Language Preferences Using Launch Command: Depending on how many language choices you wish to provide to users, the Launch Command menu must contain a separate set of HTML code representing each language being used. For example, if you wish to provide users with the choice to open the Reservation Station in English, Spanish, or French you must ensure that the menu script contains three sets of HTML code representing each of the three language preferences available for the Reservation Station. The default menu packaged with Launch Command contains one set of HTML code for launching a Self‐Service Reservation Station. In our example, we need two more sets of Reservation Station HTML code to represent each language preference so we must do the following: Locate the HTML code used to launch the Reservation Station and copy the code. Paste the code into the menu script twice so that there are now three sets of HTML code for the Reservation Station. Add a locale command line switch to the end of each of the Reservation Station launch paths found in the Launch Command menu Edit the text shown on the Launch Command menu representing the Reservation Station so that the user is able to identify the language preference. When editing is complete, save the menu script. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 84
Multiple Language Preferences Using the Application Shortcut: If you wish to provide more than one language preference using the Reservation Station shortcut you must create more than one shortcut to represent each language being used. For example, if you wish to provide users with the choice to open the Reservation Station in English, Spanish, or French you must do the following: Create three user accessible shortcuts to the Reservation Station Right‐click a shortcut and select Properties Add a locale command line to the end of the Target path and click OK. Follow this process for each shortcut so that users may identify and launch the shortcut that opens in his or her desired language. Starting the Reservation Station To start the Reservation Station, press Start, choose Programs, and select the EnvisionWare program group created by the installation program. Click on PC Reservation and select the Reservation Station icon. The Management Console must be running for the Reservation Station to initialize and run properly. Step 4: Closing the Modules Closing the Management Console To stop the Management Console, press the Exit button on the toolbar. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 85
Since the Management Console should run whenever Client Modules or Reservation Stations are running, you must confirm that you wish to close the Management Console. Stopping the Management Console may require entry of the Administrative password depending upon the configuration of your system. The Management Console may be stopped briefly and then restarted without affecting Client Module and Reservation Station operations. However, no reservations may be made and users may not sign on with their assigned reservations while the Management Console is stopped. Note: A special stand‐alone user account may be used to start sessions on Client computers when the Management Console is unavailable. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 86
Closing the Reservation Station If you wish to stop a Remote Reservation Station running in Self‐
Service mode and return the computer to normal operation, move the mouse or press a key to display the logon screen. While holding down the CTRL key, click the PC Reservation logo near the bottom of the dialog box. Enter the PC Reservation staff password to close the Client Module. This is the password set at the Management Console while configuring the system options. The default password is envisionware. Passwords are case‐sensitive. The default password is ‘envisionware’, without the quotes. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 87
For Reservation Stations running in staff‐managed mode, simply press the Exit button on the toolbar. Closing the Client Module If you wish to stop the PC Reservation Client Module and return the computer to normal operation, move the mouse or press a key to display the logon screen. While holding down the CTRL key, click the PC Reservation logo near the bottom of the dialog box. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 88
Enter the PC Reservation staff password to close the Client Module. This is the password set on the Security tab in the Management Console’s Preferences. The default password is envisionware. Passwords are case‐sensitive. The default password is’ envisionware’, without the quotes Alternatively, the PC Reservation Client Module may be stopped from the Management Console. At the Management Console, choose View Connected Clients from the Utilities menu. Select the computer on which you wish the Client Module to stop. Press the Shutdown Client button located on the Current Client Connections dialog. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 89
Select Stop PC Reservation as shown below in the Shutdown Client dialog and press OK. No warning is given at the Client before the Client Module is stopped. If Shutdown all connected PCs is checked, the selected command will be sent to all connected PCs (Clients and Reservation Stations). PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 90
C H A P T E R 8 – Management Console Preferences The PC Reservation Management Console provides over 350 settings that allow you to customize the operation of the entire PC Reservation system so that behavior equals the policies for a location. Most organizations opt for the System Policy Development process that creates the policies in an electronic form. You can then adapt the policies as needed by changing a checkbox or setting to fit the changing needs of your staff and/or users. On the Management Console, press the button to access Preferences for your location (alternatively use the Configure/System Options choice from the menu. PC Reservation provides an extremely flexible array of Client and Session settings. This chapter will describe each option available in the system preferences and provide an example of how each setting might be used. The descriptions here are for location‐wide settings but the explanation of many settings apply to AREA override settings as well. Note: While configuring the system preferences, you will have the option of selecting OK, Cancel, and/or Apply for each tab. Clicking OK accepts any changes made on the current tab and closes out of preferences. Clicking Cancel will undo any changes made on the current tab and closes out of preferences. Clicking Apply will accept and save any changes that were made on the current tab but it will not close out of preferences. The current tab will remain allowing you the opportunity to select another tab and make additional changes. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 91
Sessions Tab Session Length Used to define the length of each session in minutes. To change the value, press the up and down buttons to the right of the value. The session lengths must be a multiple of five (5) minutes and the minimum session length is ten (10) minutes. This setting determines the length of each session regardless of whether the system is configured using the Sessions or Minutes model. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 92
Grace Period Number of minutes allowed before a user’s reservation might be canceled. For example, if set to ten (10), PC Reservation will allow a user to be 10 minutes late starting his or her session before declaring the user to be a no‐show. Note: Reservations are not automatically canceled after this interval, but they may be if the computer is needed to fulfill another user’s request. Allow Extra Time if No One is Waiting Used to determine if a user may be given more time on a computer if no one has reserved his or her computer. When the session is nearing the end, the Client Module will send a request to the Management Console for more time. If no reservation exists for the computer, the Management Console grants the request and the session may be extended depending on the Require User to Accept Extra Time setting. Require User to Accept Extra Time Used to determine whether the user will be prompted with the choice of accepting extra time. If this option is disabled, sessions will be automatically extended. Note: This setting is automatically enabled when time vending is turned on. Extra Time Increment Used to define the number of minutes by which a session can be extended. Maximum Extra Time Determines the total amount of extra time a user may be granted during a session. (0 in this field indicates unlimited extra time.) PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 93
Logoff when session is closed (used with auto‐logon) Used to determine if the Client Module logs the computer off the network at the end of a session. When the computer is configured for auto‐logon, checking this box allows the computer to log off then automatically log on again. Depending on the network log on, configuration, and policies and profiles used by the log on account, this may provide a very clean method for ending a session and resetting the computer for the next user’s session. Restart when session is closed (used with auto‐logon) Used to force a reboot of the Client computer between sessions. This setting is often used with a variety of refresh‐type security programs. Allow Early Sign On Used to determine if a user may arrive and start a session before his or her assigned time. When this is not checked, the system allows users to start sessions up to five (5) minutes before the time listed for their session. However, when it is checked, the user may begin a session at any time prior to the assigned time if he or she is the next user scheduled to use the computer. Allow Users to Lock Sessions Used to determine if users are allowed to invoke the idle screen and hide the contents of the desktop. Locking a session permits a user to step away without concerns over losing the PC to another user or having it timeout due to inactivity. Note: Locking a PC does not PAUSE the session timer. The timer will continue to cont down until all minutes have been used. Treat Logoffs As Interrupted Sessions Used to determine if a logoff or shutdown is interpreted as a voluntary close by the user or as an interrupted session. If PCs are logged off and on again or routinely need to be shutdown and restarted to correct technical issues, then placing a check in this box will allow a user to resume his or her session with the same User Id and PIN Number when the Client completes its initialization. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 94
If left unchecked, a logoff or shutdown command issued from within a PC Reservation session will behave the same way as pressing the Done button within the session. Minutes to Hold Interrupted PC Amount of time the user whose session was interrupted has to log back in to the session. This setting is used to remove a PC session that was unexpectedly interrupted (such as a reboot or Windows lock‐up) from the PCs available for reservations. In prior versions, it was possible for a user to book an off‐line (rebooting) PC from a Reservation Station while the user at the computer was preparing to log in again. The default is off, consistent with prior behavior but you can add a value to put the PCs on hold for which sessions did not terminate normally. Note: Do not put a long hold value in this field. There is not method for removing the hold manually. End session after idle for ‐‐‐ minutes Used to specify the amount of time after which the Client will decide that the user has left if no keyboard or mouse activity has occurred. For example, if this is set to five (5), then, if no keyboard or mouse activity occurs for five (5) minutes, the Client will display a message asking if the user is still present. If the user does not respond after an additional 60 seconds, the Client will terminate the session and the user will not be able to log back into that session. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 95
Reservations Tab Allow Future Reservations
Used to allow users to make reservations for a specific time in the future, whether later the same day or a future day. For example, if today were Wednesday, enabling this setting would allow someone to reserve time on a computer for Friday afternoon. Allow Future Reservations for Staff Only Used to permit users at the Management Console and Staff Managed Reservation Stations to make reservations for a future time. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 96
Note: Users at Self‐Service Reservation Stations are limited to reservations for the Next Available PC only. Allow Future Reservations for Same Day Only
Used to allow future reservations to be made for later on the same day only (not for any days into the future). Maximum Days for which Reservations are Accepted
Determines how many days into the future a user may request time on a PC. Calendar Days Configures the system to consider all days into the future when assigning future reservations. Open Days Configures the system to consider only the days that the library is open when assigning future reservations. This prevents future reservations from being assigned on days that the library is closed. Offer an Available Short Session when Wait Time Exceeds ‐‐‐‐ Minutes
Used to offer the user a choice of waiting for a full‐length session or taking a shorter session starting immediately when the wait time for the full‐length session exceeds this value. Tip: If your default session length is 60 minutes, you may wish to designate that a wait time exceeding 15 minutes would automatically offer two choices for reservations when available/applicable. Minimum Session Length
If the system is set to offer short sessions when there are long waits, this value determines the minimum amount of time that must be available on a PC before the short session will be offered. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 97
Path to a map or floor plan Used to specify a file that may be shown after a successful reservation has been made. Typically, this would be a graphic file or HTML page showing the floor plan of the facility. The file will be shown by the program registered to handle the file type. Optional Command Line Parameters for Map Viewing Application Used to define any special startup flags to be used by the application that will display the map or floor plan. For example, when Internet Explorer is started with the ‘‐k’ command line parameter, it runs in kiosk mode. This means that no title bar, location bar, navigation buttons, or address line will appear. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 98
Warnings Tab Settings for Warning Used to select the warning you wish to configure. It does not matter in what order you designate warnings. A specific time must be configured with the warning being created. This time represents the time before the end of a session . At this time the warning message will appear. This means that Warning 1 may be the first, second, or third warning. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 99
Tip: For 60 minute sessions, a total of three warning may be created. The warning intervals may appear 10 minutes before the end of a session, and then 4 minutes before the end of a session, and the final message, 1 minute before the end of the session.
Key: If you allow sessions to auto extend when no one is waiting, the renewal event occurs at 5 minutes before the end of the session. A notice will appear that advises the user of his or her extended time. Setting a warning message at 5 minutes would provide conflicting information to the user, thus a 4 or 6 minute warning is recommended. Issue Warning with (x) Minutes Remaining Used to define at what point in a session the selected warning is issued. Each warning can be individually configured to specify the type of the warning, as described below: Beep Specifies that a single, audible beep should be played at the specified point. Flash the Timer Window Specifies that the countdown clock window should flash to get the user’s attention. Speak Specifies that the computer should issue a spoken message using a synthesized voice. This option is valid only when a Text‐To‐Speech engine is installed on the Client computer. To edit the message that is announced during the warning, click the button and enter the desired phrase in the Text to Translate window. Click OK. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 100
Display a Message Specifies that a message box with a custom message should be displayed. The user must acknowledge the message by clicking the OK button. To edit the message that is displayed during the warning, click the button and enter the desired text in the Text to Translate window. Click OK. Run a Program Specifies that the Client should launch a program at the specified interval. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 101
PC Schedule Tab Schedule For (x) Day Used to select the day for which the schedule is being modified. This schedule represents the location‐wide settings for the PC Reservation system. You may have custom schedule settings for each AREA at a location. See Chapter 7 – Installing and Configuring PC Reservation for information about AREA configuration. Note: All AREA schedules must fit within the parameters defined on this tab. The system wide schedule must always be greater than or equal to all AREA schedules. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 102
This Facility is Closed Used to specify that the facility is closed on the selected day and that no reservations should be allowed for that day. Computers May be Used From (x) Until (x) Used to define the times at which computers become available and unavailable on the selected day. The system uses these times to determine the times during which reservations may be made and to adjust session lengths for reservations made near closing time. Near closing time, the system will allocate whatever time is available, but it will not permit scheduling past the closing time. Maintain Holiday List Permits creation of a holiday name and date, which will prevent future reservations on those days. To Maintain the Holiday List: Click the holiday list maintenance button so that the Holiday List appears PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 103
Click Add which will take you to the following screen. Enter the date for the designated holiday. The date format is dependent upon your Windows localization (country) settings. Click OK when you have finished entering the holiday information. Shutdown all PCs 5 minutes after closing When checked, the system will issue a shutdown command to all PCs except staff‐managed Reservation Stations. The 5‐minute buffer ensures that all sessions are closed in an orderly fashion so that the last user’s experience is identical to previous users. Send message to all PCs (x) minutes before closing When checked, the system will issue the message in the box shown below and at the interval entered below according to the user’s language preference. Disable Self‐Service Reservation Stations for (x) Minutes OR until All PCs are In Use PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 104
Used to prevent Self‐Service Reservation Stations from accepting reservations for the given interval after location opening or until no PCs are available. When @Client Reservations are enabled, it is possible for a user to select a PC and begin requesting an @Client Reservation while another user makes a reservation at the Reservation Station. In such cases, the person at the Reservation Station may be assigned the PC before the person actually at the PC completes the @Client Reservation request. Delaying Self‐Service Reservation Stations eliminates this problem just after the facility opens by requiring users to request @Client Reservations until the specified interval has elapsed. Staff Managed Reservation Stations and the Management Console may continue to make reservations even when this option is checked. Once the Self Service Reservation Station becomes active, it remains active for the rest of the day. Message to Display at Reservation Stations If the option to disable Self‐Service Reservation Stations is checked, the Reservation Stations will display this message to users who attempt to make a reservation before the specified interval has elapsed if PCs are still available. To edit the message shown, click the to Translate window. icon and enter the desired text in the Text PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 105
Reservation Stations Tab Welcome Message Used to define the message that will be displayed by Self‐Service Reservation Stations when a user first indicates that he or she wishes to use a computer. To edit the message shown, click the icon and enter the desired text in the Text to Translate window. You may also set a customized Welcome message for each area under Maintain Area Settings. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 106
Path to Logo or Image File Used to define a custom logo file that will be displayed on the idle screen in place of the standard PC Reservation logo. The logo file must be a Windows bitmap file (.BMP). If only the filename is given, the Reservation Station will search the following locations for the file: (1) the same directory as the Reservation Station, (2) the network share created by the Management Console, or (3) an Images subdirectory on the network share created by the Management Console. If the full path to the file is given, the path must be relative to the Reservation Station computer. For example, if you specify LOGO.BMP as the logo file, and you have a Management Console with a NetBIOS name of ADMIN, the Reservation Station will look in \\ADMIN\PC Reservation\Images for the LOGO.BMP file. However, if you specify C:\PICTURES\LOGO.BMP, each Client must have a pictures directory containing the LOGO.BMP file. Path to Computer Use Policy document Used to display your computer use/internet policy at the Self‐service Reservation Station. You may designate any document type for which a viewer is defined on the Reservation Station PC (html, txt, etc). When this field contains a document reference, a button will appear on the Self Service Reservation Station that permits viewing of your policy. Parameters Permits adding a parameter such as –k, which forces Internet Explorer to display in kiosk mode. This prevents users from browsing the Internet from the policy document page. The program will automatically create a Close Viewer button so that a kiosk mode document can be closed. Mandatory When checked, this preference forces a display of the Computer Use Policy during the reservation process. The policy is automatically displayed upon etection of a mouse movement or key press on the Reservation Station’s screen saver. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 107
Note: It is not possible to configure the system so that a user must accept the computer use policy at the Self‐Service Reservation Station. This can only be done for Client computers. See the Client Programs tab in this chapter. Receipt Printing System administrators can view and use any printer, which exists in the host computer’s Printers and Faxes folder. This includes any Windows shared printers that exist on the Reservation Station host computer. Allow Users to Print a Receipt Used to determine if a receipt may be printed after a successful reservation. Print a Receipt for Every Reservation Used to determine if a receipt is ALWAYS printed after every successful reservation. If checked, the receipt is printed automatically after the user presses the Accept button on the reservation details dialog. If not checked, the user is offered the choice to print a receipt after pressing the Accept button. Receipt Printer Name Used to specify the printer used to print the receipt. If blank, the computer’s default printer (as defined in the Printers folder) will be used for the receipt. Pressing the Browse (…) button displays a list of the printers defined on this computer. This includes any Windows shared printers installed on the host computer. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 108
If this field is defined at the Management Console, each Reservation Station must have the same printer installed in its Printers folder (with the same printer name) or be configured using the Reservation Station Configuration Utility to use a different printer. Pressing displays the following dialog box: Fields to Include on Receipt Used to determine what information is printed on the receipt. The PC Name field will be either the NetBIOS name or the PC Description from the Equipment Record, depending on which is being used as the primary identifier. Message to print at the bottom of the receipt An optional message that will print at the bottom of each receipt. This text should be formatted exactly as it should print on the receipt. This includes the placement of the line breaks. Due to variations among printer drivers and because many receipt printers use generic printer drivers or a paper size that does not match the actual size of the paper, PC Reservation does not automatically wrap this text when printing it on the receipt. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 109
The text may include embedded printer control codes to force the printer to print in color, wide or condensed text, bold or underline text, or to cut the paper. The specific codes required and the features supported will vary according to the make and model of the receipt printer. Please refer to the receipt printer documentation for information about using these features. To embed the codes in the text, use the following guide: <ESC> ‐ forces PC Reservation to embed the Escape character in the text <CTRL‐X> ‐ forces PC Reservation to embed CTRL‐A through CTRL‐Z (depending on what is used in place of X) <XX> ‐ forces PC Reservation to embed the hexadecimal value represented by XX. For example, <43> would cause PC Reservation to embed 43H (where H indicates the number is hexadecimal) in the text. Note: All embedded codes should be UPPERCASE. In the example above, the receipt printer knows to turn on bold printing when it sees ESC‐G‐1. It knows to turn it off when it sees ESC‐G‐0. To make EnvisionWare print bold, the text includes <1B>G1. “<1B>” is the hexadecimal number for the ESC key. (<ESC> could have been used as well.) To stop printing bold, the text includes <1B>G0. These special characters will not print on the receipt itself. Instead, they will be interpreted by the printer as instructions for turning bold printing on and off. Number of blank lines at the bottom of the receipt An optional number of line feeds that might help to eject the receipt to a point where it may be easily torn from the printer. The button may be used to print a sample receipt to verify the fields selected and the footnote text. Select Area List Style Used to configure the appearance of the AREA list at the self‐service Reservation Station. The drop down list is the default consistent with legacy behavior. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 110
Additional choices: Large Icons, Small Icons (Vertical Scroll), Small Icons (Horizontal Scroll), Details List. The color coding of the icons is automatically linked to the background color set for each AREA in the AREA preferences. The Details List provides a color coded icon, AREA name, and default session length for each area. Drop Down List Large Icons Small Icons Details List Dedicate Reservation Stations to PC Reservation Used to determine if Self‐Service Reservation Stations are dedicated to PC Reservation. When dedicated, the idle screen is full‐screen and no other programs may be run on the computer serving as a Reservation Station. When not dedicated, the idle screen runs in a window and other programs may be used on the same computer. Show Time on Idle Screen Used to determine if the current PC time is displayed on the idle screen for Self‐
Service Reservation Stations. Since PC Reservation always references the Management Console when dealing with the actual time of day, this option should be used only when a process (automated or manual) is in place to assure that the times on the Management Console and the Reservation Station are synchronized. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 111
Note – Time Synchronization: PC Reservation does not perform time synchronization because the system does not require this feature. All reservation time references in the system are derived from the Management Console. When a user makes a reservation, the time displayed on the reservation receipt will be based on the Management Consoleʹs PC clock, not the time shown on the Reservation Station or the Client. When the user then signs into the reservation at the Client, the Management Consoleʹs clock is again used to determine whether the user is within an acceptable time window to start the session. The times displayed on the Clientʹs and Reservation Stationʹs idle screens are based on the local PC clocks, not the Management Consoleʹs clock. Therefore, without external time synchronization, it is possible that the time displayed at the Reservation Station (or Client) may not match that used by the Management Console and displayed on reservation receipts. It is highly recommended that, if you choose to display the clocks on the Reservation Stationʹs and Clientʹs idle screens, you have some mechanism in place to synchronize the various PC clocks. There are several freeware products that can provide this feature but these are not supported directly by EnvisionWare. Windows XP has a built in time sync capability. Allow Staff to Reserve PC Area Reserving a PC Area allows staff to make a reservation for an entire area. This option is available on the Management Console and can be configured to be available on the Staff Reservation Station. Color Scheme Used to determine the color scheme of the idle screen at Reservation Stations running in Self‐Service mode. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 112
Client Settings Tab Restrictions Used to disable certain key sequences at the Client during sessions. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 113
Disable CTRL‐ALT‐DEL These keys are used on Windows 98 systems to display the Task Manager. Choosing this option prevents users from accessing the Task Manager using the key sequence. Note: PC Reservation cannot disable sequence on Windows NT/2000 /XP Pro Clients. Instead, you should use policies or profiles to restrict access to this key sequence or to some of the options available once these keys have been pressed. Disable CTRL‐ESC These keys are used to access the Start menu. Choosing this option prevents users from accessing the Start menu using the key sequence. Disable ALT‐TAB These keys are used to switch quickly between running applications. The CTRL‐ESC keys are used to display the Windows start menu. Disabling this sequence also disables the special Windows key present on newer keyboards. Note: On Windows 98 systems, PC Reservation disables all three key sequences as one unit. They cannot be enabled or disabled selectively. Hide the Task Bar This tells the Client to remove the Windows task bar from the desktop. This prevents users from starting programs for which icons do not exist on the desktop. Hiding the Task Bar automatically hides the Start button. Note: Hiding the Task Bar may make minimized windows inaccessible. Hide the Start Button Used to remove the Start button from the Task Bar. This allows users to access the quick start menu, the button for any running application, and the tray area of the Task Bar, but prevents them from accessing the programs on the Start menu. Hide the Client from the Task List (Windows 98 Only) Allows the CTRL‐ALT‐DEL key sequence to remain enabled during Client sessions, but it prevents the PC Reservation Client windows from showing in the task list. This will help prevent users from forcing the PC Reservation Client to close. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 114
Path to Logo or Image File Used to define a custom logo file that will be displayed on the idle screen in place of the standard PC Reservation logo. The logo file must be a Windows bitmap file (.BMP). If only the filename is given, the Client will search the following locations for the file: The same directory as the Client The network share created by the Management Console An Images subdirectory on the network share created by the Management Console. If the full path to the file is given, the path must be relative to the Client computer. For example, if you specify LOGO.BMP as the logo file, and you have a Management Console with a NetBIOS name of ADMIN, the Client will look in \\Admin\Program Files\EnvisionWare\PC Reservation\Images for the LOGO.BMP file. However, if you specify C:\PICTURES\LOGO.BMP, each Client must have a pictures directory containing the LOGO.BMP file. Instructions for users Used to define the text message that is displayed on the screen at the Client where the user will enter his or her user ID and PIN number. This might be some basic instruction for the user about how to start or close the session, or it could be a computer‐use policy statement. To edit the message shown, click the icon and enter the desired text in the Text to Translate window. Color Scheme Used to determine the color scheme applied to the idle screen. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 115
Show the Current Time on the Client’s Idle Screen Used to determine if the current PC time is displayed on the idle screen for Clients. Since PC Reservation always references the Management Console when dealing with the actual time of day, this option should be used only when a process (automated or manual) is in place to assure that the times on the Management Console and the Clients are synchronized. Note – Time Synchronization:
PC Reservation does not perform time synchronization because the system does not require this feature. All reservation time references in the system are derived from the Management Console. When a user makes a reservation, the time displayed on the reservation receipt will be based on the Management Consoleʹs PC clock, not the time shown on the Reservation Station or the Client. When the user then signs into the reservation at the Client, the Management Consoleʹs clock is again used to determine whether the user is within an acceptable time window to start the session. The times displayed on the Clientʹs and Reservation Stationʹs idle screens are based on the local PC clocks, not the Management Consoleʹs clock. Therefore, without external time synchronization, it is possible that the time displayed at the Reservation Station (or Client) may not match that used by the Management Console and displayed on reservation receipts. It is highly recommended that, if you choose to display the clocks on the Reservation Stationʹs and Clientʹs idle screens, you have some mechanism in place to synchronize the various PC clocks. There are several freeware products that can provide this feature but these are not supported directly by EnvisionWare. Windows XP has a built in time sync capability. Freeware is available at www.time.gov. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 116
Client Programs Tab The Client Programs tab allows you to build a list of up to five (5) programs that will start at the beginning of each session. Use the Add, Edit, and Remove buttons to define and maintain the individual programs. Description A text label used to describe the program. This description is what is put into the list of programs at the top of this dialog but is not used in any other place. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 117
Program Path or Registered File Extension Used to define the program itself. If the path is a full path, it must be specified relative to the Client. For example, if you specify C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD.EXE, then NOTEPAD.EXE must exist in the WINDOWS directory on each Client. Alternatively, you may specify just a file extension. For example, specifying .HTM will cause the Client to load the program registered to handle HTML pages on the Client computer. Restart this program if closed during the session If checked, the Client will start the program and continue to monitor it. If the user closes the program during the session, the Client will automatically restart it. If you use the PC Reservation Client as your shell and start the browser as the only application, this setting ensures that the browser is always open. Show this program’s window Used to define the size of the window in which the program will run. Press Accept to confirm any changes or to put a new item into the list. Press Cancel to abort a pending edit or add. Note: You must press the Accept key to keep your changes in this dialog. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 118
Path to Computer Use Policy Document Client will display the document after a user completes the Client logon and before a session starts. Clicking displays a dialog which allows control of the behavior when a user is asked to Accept or Decline the Use Policy. Choosing Decline at the Client enables the behavior of this feature No Internet Access disables the browser during the session Apply the Internet Filter – Enables the internet filter. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 119
Appearance Tab Label to use for “User ID” Used to define the word or phrase that represents the User ID for your facility. This might be “Name”, “First Name”, “Library Card Number”, etc. To edit the message shown, click the icon and enter the desired text in the Text to Translate window. This field supports up to 35 characters. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 120
Number of digits in User ID Used to tell PC Reservation how many digits (or characters) make up a valid User ID. When prompted for a User ID the user or staff member must enter exactly this many digits before the User ID will be accepted. If this entry is blank, User IDs are not checked for proper length. [If you are using SIP, we recommend that you set this number if all user IDs are the same length.] User ID Prefix Used to tell PC Reservation what character sequence begins a valid User ID. When the User ID is requested for an @Client Reservation or at a Self‐Service Reservation Station, the entry must begin with this prefix before the User ID will be accepted. User IDs entered at the Management Console or at Staff Managed Reservation Stations are not checked for proper prefix. User IDs entered when starting a session also are not checked. If this entry is blank, User IDs are not checked for a valid prefix. The use of the above settings improves system efficiency because only valid IDs meeting both conditions will be submitted via the Validating Authority, reducing calls to your ILS (Integrated Library System). Note: Setting a User ID Length and User ID Prefix may be used as pseudo‐authentication. Although you will not be able to set any usage restrictions (unless you have the Validation Module enabled and configured), you may verify that the user has entered an ID that fits the pattern for a valid User ID. Enable User ID Filter When enabled, User ID’s received by the Management Console are stripped of any special characters, leaving the remaining alphanumeric values to be validated at the validating authority. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 121
Allowable Special User Id Characters Tells the system which special characters are allowed to exist in a valid ID. Any value may be entered as shown below. The values entered would remain in the User ID during validation instead of being stripped out by the filter. This behavior may be used for ANY Validating Authority. Example: For User ID, #2000‐134356‐00, the text box should look like the following: Note: Alphanumeric values (abc, 123) entered in this field will be ignored. Only special characters are processed. Alphanumeric values are validated as normal. Any spaces entered in this field will be interpreted by PC Reservation as special characters. Mask User ID for Self‐Service Reservations Enabling this preference will display a masked entry when a user makes a self‐
service reservation. It will also mask the ID on receipts. This functionality will not be applied when making reservations at Staff Managed Reservation Stations or the Management Console. Label to use for “PIN” Used to define the word or phrase that represents the PIN for your facility. To edit the message shown, click the icon and enter the desired text in the Text to Translate window. Maximum Number of Digits in “PIN” Allows you to specify the maximum number of digits the system will accept when users enter their PIN. If you are validating against PINs from your ILS (Integrated Library System) you must set the number of digits equal to or greater than the maximum you support in your user database. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 122
Number of Digits in Auto‐Generated PIN Number Used to specify the number of digits that will make up all auto‐generated PIN numbers. Key: The two settings above provide the advantage of allowing the system to generate shorter PINs for guests while still requiring library cardholders to enter their ILS PIN, which may contain more digits than auto‐
generated PINs. Required Entries to start a Session Used to determine what information a user must supply at the Client’s logon screen before a session is allowed to start. If User ID Only or PIN Number Only is selected then the Client will hide the other entry field and the user will not have to supply that value. If they are at the correct computer at the correct time and supply the correct PIN and/or User ID, the system will assume they are the correct user for that reservation. Note: Double‐clicking the PC Reservation logo on the Client’s logon screen will display any hidden entry fields so that the special Super User account may be used. Double‐click on the PC Reservation logo to activate the Super‐user access mode PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 123
Get the Client’s PC Id from the …. Used to determine what field will be used as the primary identifier for PCs in the PC Reservation system. If a Description is not defined in the equipment record, the PCs computer name (NetBIOS) is used for that record. Default Language Used to determine the language for text displayed at the Management Console, staff managed Reservation Stations, self‐service Reservation Stations and Clients at which the language has not been changed. Allow Users to Change Language If checked, users may change the default language when signing into a Client, when requesting an @Client Reservation, and when making a reservation at a Self‐Service Reservation Station. The language specified when the user requests a reservation becomes the language that will be used for that user when he or she signs into the session. When the session ends, the language is changed back to the default language. If this option is not checked, staff members may make reservations in alternate languages from the Management Console and from Staff Managed Reservation Stations. When users are allowed to change the language, a special window is displayed in the upper right corner of the screen when making a reservation at a Self‐
Service Reservation Station, when logging into a session at a Client, and when requesting an @Client Reservation. Example ‐ actual languages supported may vary. To change the language, the user simply presses the button next to the desired language. The text on the dialog currently displayed on the screen will change to the new language. Subsequent dialogs that are part of the user’s current action will also be displayed in that language. Flags are customizable or may be deleted to provide a blank button. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 124
System Tab Database Settings These values cannot be changed. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 125
Database Driver Specifies the type of driver that is used for the local PC Reservation database. Upon installation the default Microsoft Access database is created and the driver information is automatically entered into this field. Path to Reservations Database File Specifies the location of the local PC Reservation database. By default, the database (pcres.mdb) is stored in the PC Reservation directory. This information is already entered for you upon installation. Auto‐Update Settings Auto‐update requires read/write access to the C:\Program Files\EnvisionWare\PC Reservation directory on the Client and the ability for the Client to access the C:\Program Files\EnvisionWare\PC Reservation SHARE on the Management Console PC. Depending upon your security model, you may wish to create an account on the Management Console that matches the user account name and password used on the Clients. You can activate the account when you want to perform an auto‐update and then disable after the update process completes. Allow Clients to Auto‐update When checked, the Management Console will force Clients with old version information to perform an auto‐update before allowing Clients to connect. The auto‐update process involves copying newer versions of Client files from a special directory on the Management Console to each Client. If your security policies or network configuration do not permit the Clients to perform the steps necessary to complete the auto‐update, you should disable the auto‐update feature. This will allow older Clients to start and connect. Please be advised, though, that changes in future versions of PC Reservation are not always backward compatible with older Clients. If you choose to disable the auto‐update feature, you should plan to perform a manual Client update when updating the Management Console. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 126
User Privacy Mode PC Reservation supports an optional Privacy Mode in addition to the existing log and user ID clearing capabilities. The system may be configured for Level 0, Level 1, or Level 2. Level 0 No changes. Level 1 The Computer Name/Description field and the Session Start and End times to be hidden in history views at the Management Console and Staff Managed Reservation Stations and on reports. Data may only be viewed by using the administrator password to change the Level to 0. Level 2 The Computer Name is permanently erased from the Usage table when the Session is closed. There is no real time ability to determine which computer was used by a user during the current day. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 127
Network Tab The items on the Network tab control settings that define how the PC Reservation components communicate on the network. If you change the items on this tab, you may need to perform additional configuration at each Client and Reservation Station. This is particularly true if your network is logically subnetted and PC Reservation components exist on different subnets. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 128
TCP Settings Port used for TCP Command Messages Used to define the TCP/IP port number on which the Clients, Reservation Stations, and Management Console will communicate. Port used for TCP Text Messages Used to define the TCP/IP port number on which chat sessions and requests for help will occur. UDP Settings Port for UDP Broadcasts Used to define the UDP port number on which the Management Console broadcasts its network configuration information. UDP Broadcast Interval Used to define the number of milliseconds (1/1000 of a second) between UDP broadcasts. Tip: PC Reservation is designed to permit auto‐discovery. This means that Clients and Reservation Stations on the same subnet can automatically discover the Management Console and establish reliable communications.
In most cases, there may be one Management Console per building. If you choose to operate more than one Management Console in a building, change the default port from 1969 to something like 11969 on one Console, and 21969 on the other Console. (Valid port values are 1025‐65535.) This will ensure that Clients cannot automatically connect to the wrong console and it will force Clients to request a valid address and port the first time each Client starts. Clients can automatically retain manual settings. Similarly, if you are supporting Clients on more than one network in the same building, you can use this method to force manual configuration of all Clients. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 129
Security Tab Administrative Password The Administrative password is used to monitor the following operations: Viewing/Changing System Preferences Changing the logging settings Clearing the log files Maintaining PC Areas, Equipment Records and User Validation Rules Performing database pruning Shutting down Clients from the Management Console Stopping the Management Console PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 130
To set the Administrative Password, complete the following steps: 1. Locate the Security tab. 2. Click Define Password‐Protected Operations. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 131
The system displays the Define Password‐Protected Operations dialog box. 3. Select the check boxes associated with the operations that require an administrative password. 4. Click OK. The system prompts the user to enter the administrative password when a protected operation is attempted. Note: These Operations are unchecked by default. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 132
Staff Password The Staff password is used to monitor opening and closing the Staff Managed Reservation Station and Client. The Staff Password doesn’t require any configurations. The password settings are available by default. Super User Account Information Specifies an account name and password that can be used at a Client to start a session without a reservation, without a time limit, and without any of the restrictions that are normally applied to a session. This account allows staff to access any PC at any time without regard to current reservation status. Stand‐Alone Account Information Specifies an account name and password that can be used at a Client to start a session when communication with the Management Console is interrupted. When a Client cannot communicate with the Management Console (such as during a network outage), it will defer to its default settings and continue to provide session limits and issue warnings. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 133
Dynamic Filtering Control Tab Enable Filtering Control Used to allow PC Reservation to dynamically alter filtering settings for each session. For example, PC Reservation could be used to provide filtered Internet access to underage users while providing unrestricted access to adults. To prohibit access to all sites, specify an invalid IP Address. To specify access to only a specific site, specify the IP address of that server, such as your web catalog server. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 134
IP Address of Filtering Appliance Used to specify the IP address of the filtering server. The EnvisionWare Network Content Manager is one solution that provides network‐level content filtering. Port Used to specify the port number used by the filtering server. Type of Filtering Appliance Proxy‐Based Indicates that the filtering solution you are using is a proxy‐based application. Profile‐Based Indicates that the filtering solution you are using supports RADIUS control packets (such as an 8e6 Technologies R3000) Manage Profiles Allows you to add the names of filtering profiles from your Profile‐based filtering system into PC Reservation; the names entered in PC Reservation must exactly match the profile names in your filter. This option becomes available when the profile‐based selection is enabled. Filter Server Password Administrator password of the profile‐based filtering appliance. When PC Reservation transmits a profile activation request for a session, it must transmit this password with the message. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 135
Default Setting Used to determine whether the system default is to have filtering enabled or disabled. Filtering is On unless disabled Reservations made at Self‐Service Reservation Stations and @Client Reservations will be filtered. The Enabled Internet Filtering checkbox on the Reserve a PC dialog will be checked by default at Staff Managed Reservation Stations and at the Management Console.
Filtering is Off unless enabled Reservations made at Self‐Service Reservation Stations and @Client Reservations will not be filtered. The Enable Internet Filtering checkbox on the Reserve a PC dialog will not be checked by default at Staff Managed Reservation Stations and at the Management Console. Allow user to select filtered or unfiltered session When enabled, the system will prompt the user to select a filtered or unfiltered reservation when booking at the Client or at a Reservation Station. Offer choice based upon User Validation Rules When enabled, this sub‐choice will follow rules set in the Rules Wizard. You can set a policy within the limits of fields supported by your Validating Authority to allow a filtering choice based upon age or user type, for example. Text to display when offering filtering choice To edit the message shown, click the Text to Translate window. icon and enter the desired text in the PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 136
Validating Authority Tab Note: You may configure one or more sources for user validation. Sources include Generic SIP, OCLC (Amlib), SIP2, special SIP enhancements for various ILS vendors; a Patron API connection; LDAP; a connection to the AAM database, or a special validating authority called ‘None’.
To add a validating authority, press Add which invokes the following: Note: The settings on this window allow the Management Console to communicate with an Integrated Library System server (or ILS); the AAM database, an LDAP compliant database, or a validating authority of “None” to determine if a User ID is valid. This feature may require additional modules or licenses for the Integrated Library System. Please contact your EnvisionWare reseller or an EnvisionWare salesperson for more information. Check with your ILS vendor to verify that SIP, SIP2, or other protocol support is available. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 138
Validating Authority Used to determine the source of the validating authority. The choices and their capabilities are outlined in the following chart: Validating Authorities Chart Please note that “standard SIP2 fields” may vary by ILS vendor. Not all vendors support all standard SIP2 fields. Enhancements for user type, birth date, and other special fields are custom per vendor. EnvisionWare supports ILS vendor enhancements as defined in this chart. Validating Authorities Validating Authority Connection and Field Support Information OCLC (Amlib) OCLC (Amlib) has been added as a validating authority option. SIP2 socket connection with standard SIP2 fields plus access code, birth date, and borrower type. Auto‐Graphics Verso Socket connection for use with Auto‐Gra AGent VERSO™ ILS Platform Generic SIP Generic SIP connection compatible with most ILS user databases including III (SIP1), Spydus, and Voyager. May be telnet or socket depending upon vendor. Geac Advance Enhanced SIP 2 telnet connection with SIP2 standard fields plus user type Geac Plus SIP 2 telnet connection with standard fields plus user type Sirsi Classic – SIP 1 SIP 1 telnet connection (not used) Sirsi Classic – Enhanced SIP 2 SIP 2 socket connection with SIP2 standard fields plus patron type and birth date Sirsi Unicorn – SIP 1 SIP 1 telnet connection (not used) PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 139
Validating Authorities Validating Authority Connection and Field Support Information Sirsi Unicorn – Enhanced SIP 2 SIP 2 socket connection (some implementations are telnet) with SIP2 standard fields plus support for patron profile, birth date, PIN, and patron categories. EnvisionWare Connection Manager Socket connection to Connection Manager for use with AAM database. Supports group and age. GIS ‐ Polaris SIP 2 socket connection with SIP2 standard fields plus support for patron type and birth date. GIS ‐ Galaxy SIP 2 telnet connection Follett Socket connection to Connection Manager for use with Follett ODBC user database link. Supports patron type and user ID validation. TLC – LS Enhanced SIP 2 SIP2 socket connection with SIP2 standard fields plus patron type and birth date. TLC – CARL Enhanced SIP2 SIP2 telnet connection with SIP2 standard fields plus birth date and patron type. Innovative Patron API HTTP connection with access to all fields exposed by the III Patron API. Dynix – Enhanced SIP2 SIP2 telnet connection with standard SIP2 fields plus access code and birth date. SirsiDynix – Horizon Enhanced 7.4++ SIP2 socket connection with standard SIP2 fields plus access code, birth date, and borrower type. Dynix – Horizon Enhanced SIP2 SIP2 telnet connection with standard SIP2 fields access code and birth date, LDAP Server Socket (IP) connection to LDAP‐compliant database with support to any fields mapped in LDAP mapping profile. Evergreen SIP2 socket connection supports standard SIP2 fields, patron type and Internet filter. VTLS Enhanced SIP 2 SIP2 telnet connection. Requires a username PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 140
Validating Authorities Validating Authority Connection and Field Support Information and password entry during the Management Console’s validating authority setup. Supports standard SIP2 fields. Auto‐Graphics Verso Enhanced SIP2 socket connection. OCLC(Amlib) SIP2 socket connection with standard SIP2 fields plus access code, birth date, and borrower type. None* Special validation selection. Permits sites to create and manage RULES and enforce usage limits against any ID entered. Used when a validating source is not available. Note: The ‘None’ Validating Authority
PC Reservation will operate with a Validating Authority (VA). Without a VA, any ID may be entered to reserve a session. Naturally, there is no usage restriction because there is no authority for ID’s and no tracking. If you wish to enforce restrictions (limit sessions or minutes per day) and you do not have access to a Validating Authority, you can create a VA of None. User ID’s will not be validated as authoritative but each ID entered will be tracked and retained to be used for usage restrictions. A user can enter anything and whatever is entered will be stored and checked for subsequent uses that day. Description Identifies the Validating Authority. This value defaults to the name of the validating authority, however, users are free to assign any name they deem appropriate. Larger Innovative sites that require two Millennium servers might name their Validating Authorities as Millennium Server 1 and Millennium Server 2, for example. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 141
Connection Type Telnet, Socket, HTTP, or Version (Used for LDAP Validating Authorities). The proper default will generally be selected for specific choices although various implementations of ILS systems vary from site to site. You will need to determine the connection type for the Generic selection. If your connection type is Telnet, you will require a SIP Script to establish communication with your user database. A SIP script is a file that contains the sequence of commands used to initialize a connection to the ILS. Please verify the connection type information with your ILS vendor. Server Address Used to specify the IP address of the ILS server or EnvisionWare Connection Manager. Port Used to specify the TCP/IP Port number used by the Validating Authority. Login Required Used for SIP 2 validated connections. This is a secondary login to the telnet login used for some SIP connections. When this box is checked, enter the additional User Name, Password, and Location Code according to the requirements set for your specific ILS or validating server. The user name and password in these fields are not the same as those used for a SIP telnet connection. The telnet SIP user name and password are entered in the SIP script. Contact your ILS provider to find out if this information is required for connection to your SIP server. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 142
Institution ID Used for some ILS servers as an authentication requirement. Contact your ILS provider to find out if this information is required for connectivity. Provide Support for receiving Split Messages This setting provides compatibility with ILS servers that may split a SIP message into multiple lines. Enable Error Checking (message checksum) Used to determine whether messages contain an extra checksum value. This setting is turned ON by default and must match the configuration of the ILS or validating server. If you have trouble determining this value, please contact your institution’s Automation specialist or your library automation vendor. Enable Verbose Logging Used to determine if the Validation Module generates a trace log file (SIPTRACE.LOG) detailing the conversations the Management Console has with the Validating Authority. This can be extremely helpful when trying to determine why the Validation Module cannot communicate with the user/patron database or when verifying that the information returned from the ILS or validating server is processed correctly by the Management Console. The SIPTRACE.LOG file is stored in the PC Reservation application directory. If you are experiencing problems with Validation or if you need to create rules in the Rules Wizard based on information returned from your Validating Authority, enable this checkbox. Once your system is operating and configured as desired, disable this checkbox to reduce the size of a file that can grow quite large and to avoid storing a file that contains transmission records of data to your ILS. Keep Alive Interval Used to determine how often the Management Console will send a status request message to the ILS or validating server to ensure that the connection remains open. Some ILSs or validating servers may not require periodic communications to maintain a connection. For these cases, you may set this value to 0 to disable Keep Alive. The default value is 5 minutes. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 143
Store the following field in Usage History Allows you to configure the system so that one of the fields returned from the Validating Authority is stored in the Usage table of the local PC Reservation db (pcres.mdb). This information may be used for demographic reporting. The field appears when pressing View History at the Management Console or the Staff Managed Reservation Station. You may then query against that field using the Reporting Module. The field is identified in the Reporting Module by the heading “User Defined Field”. The field that is chosen here must be a field that is included in the data returned from your Validating Authority. To ensure the desired field is included in user records please contact your institution’s Automation specialist or your library automation vendor. The following are available fields which can be chosen for storage. However, depending on your validating authority type, all fields are not available for each type. Fields Available for Storage
Card Lost
Charges Denied
Excessive Fees
Excessive Fines
Fee Amount
Fee Owed
Group
Holds Denied
Recall Overdue
Computer Use
Recalls Denied
Renewals Denied
Screen Message
Too Many Claims of Items
Returned
Too Many Items Charged
Too Many Items Lost
Too Many Items Overdue
Too Many Renewals
User ID
Allows System Administrators to manage the priority of multiple validating authorities based on this value. A prerequisite of this option is that the ‘User ID Prefix’ field located on the ‘Appearance’ tab be configured. Multiple Validating Authorities System Administrators can configure the system so that a multi‐list of validating authorities within the Management Consoles preferences can be prioritized based on the user’s ‘Id Prefix’. This functionality helps to identify the ‘home’ library so that the ‘home’ ILS is checked for patron/user blocks. Additionally, this functionality solves the challenge with the validation rules. Where all authorities are not checked if the user meets any rule listed earlier in the list.
See the following additional details: • Prefixes should not be unique to one user because the prefix would only apply to that one user and this feature is designed so that the prefix covers multiple users holding the same prefix value on their user id cards. • Multiple prefixes may be entered. Each entry must be separated by a comma. • Spaces added are removed by the system. • Symbols are permissible. Such as ʹ!,@,#,$,%,&,*,),(ʹ, for example. • Alphanumeric characters are permissible. • There is no limit to the total number of prefixes which can be added to the text field. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 145
SIP Communication Using Telnet The SIP Script File In addition to the fields on the Validating Authority preferences tab, most ILS or validating servers that accept Telnet connections require a script file to automate the SIP connection process. The Validation Module uses a file in the PC Reservation directory called SIPSCRIPT.CFG. This is a standard text file with the following format: [text to expect from the server],[text to send as a response],[timeout value],[retry value] Each line in the file should contain all four fields, separated by commas. To send an ENTER key‐press, use <CR> or <ENTER> in the field. Here is a sample script file: login:,username,60,3 password:,mypassword,30,3 [Terminal Type],3,30,3 [],<ENTER>,30,3 ready, Each line in the sample script above is explained in the chart shown below. Each script line command is shown next to the column explaining the instruction sent to the Validating Module when the line is executed : SIP Script Explained
Script Line Command
Instructs the Validation Module to:
login:,username,60,3 Wait for login from the Library Management Server Then send username as the response password:,mypassword,30,3 Then it should wait for password Then send my password. [Terminal Type],3,30,3 Wait for [Terminal Type] Then send 3. [],<ENTER>,30,3 Then it should wait for [] Send an enter key press. ready, Finally, it should wait for ready. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 146
When the last prompt is received, the Validation Module knows it can begin conversing with the user database using the SIP protocol. Note: Linking with ILS systems generally requires special services from EnvisionWare or an ESCP‐certified strategic partner. The samples provided are not always indicative of the requirements for a specific server. The best method of script development is to ask your ILS vendor to capture a terminal session and send a copy of the capture file to you or your support contact. Sample SIP Scripts for SIP Implemented via Telnet (The items designated by ‘?????’ are usually unique for each site). There is no guarantee that the commands shown will validate against the server shown. Support for creation of a script for a site and any services related to the link to a user database are provided as a separate one‐time service. CARL (SIP2) Choice>,?????\n, 60, 3 ?????, Sirsi Unicorn (SIP1) login:,?????\n,30, 3 Password:,?????\n,30, 3 [],?????\r\n,30, 3 [],vt100\r\n,30, 3 [],\r\n,30, 3 scserver ready, Dynix (Enhanced SIP2) login:,?????,30,3 Password:,?????,30,3 READY, Sirsi DRA Classic (SIP1) Username:,?????\n, 60, 3 Password:,?????\n, 30, 3 999 to,<cr>, 30, 3 999 to,<cr>, 30, 3 999, PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 147
If you need assistance determining the script sequence used to automate the connection to the ILS Server, please contact your Automation specialist, library automation vendor, your reseller, or EnvisionWare support as applicable. Validating with LDAP PC Reservation can be configured to validate against an LDAP Server. Directories following the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, a standard developed by the University of Michigan and based on the OSI X.500 protocol standard, can be used by PC Reservation to validate users. Like a phone book,
LDAP directories usually contain information such as name, address, phone number and e‐mail address. LDAP Servers are primarily used to validate that a person is a part of a system, and then use that information to create an account. As such, PC Reservation rules support Name, ID and Group matches. Validating Authority Dialog for LDAP PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 148
LDAP – Validating Authority This is a default name provided by the Management Console via a drop down box. LDAP – Description Once LDAP is selected as an authority, this value will default to “LDAP Server”. However, the description may be changed as desired. If the name you pick is either non‐unique or ambiguous, the Validating Authority dialog box will prompt you to correct your entry. LDAP – Version Most LDAP servers are LDAP version 3 compliant including Microsoft Active Directory, Netscape Directory 6, Sun ONE Directory, and Novell eDirectory. Unless your system is designated at Version 2 compliant only, you should select Version 3 in the Version drop‐down menu. LDAP – Server Address Provide the IP address of your LDAP server LDAP – Port For most servers, the port number is 389, unless your server requires an SSL(Secure Socket Layer) connection, in which case the port number is usually 636. LDAP – Login Required Check the box by clicking on the box if a login to the server is required. LDAP – User Name This is the User Name of the account allowed to access the server LDAP – Password This is the password that accompanies the User Name for successful access to the LDAP server. LDAP – Search Attribute For LDAP the Search Attribute is the attribute name that represents the username found in the LDAP record. This is usually ‘uid’, but can be another value. LDAP uses this information to log on to the LDAP server. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 149
LDAP – Search Base Most LDAP servers require the fully qualified distinguished name. Meaning they require the entire directory path, from id to root, to be specified. The value you type in the Search Base field is appended to the qualified username (entered in the Search Attribute field) when searching the LDAP Server. LDAP – Fields Mapping One of the things that must be done when setting up an LDAP‐compliant directory server is to set up the mapping profile. The mapping profile is what tells PC Reservation what fields in the LDAP server equate with a corresponding Patron record field. For example, Patron ID corresponds to the ‘uid’ field in the LDAP record. The patron name stored in the Patron record corresponds to the ‘cn’ field in the LDAP record. This is shown in the image below. LDAP Mapping Profile It is required that at least one field be mapped. The primary field that should be mapped is the field entered as the Search Attribute and if a value was entered as the Search Base (often required), this value should also be mapped to the corresponding SIP field. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 150
This enables PC Reservation to search for and verify the user’s existence in the LDAP directory when he or she enters information into the system. Other valid SIP fields are available for mapping as well in case you want to validate users found in the LDAP directory against any other variables. Note: By mapping these fields you are also creating more rule possibilities. Note that most of the SIP fields will not usually directly relate to LDAP, such as Hold Item Count or Fine Item Count.
LDAP – Store the following field in Usage History Allows you to configure the system so that one of the fields returned from the Validating Authority will be stored in the Usage table of the local PC Reservation database (pcres.mdb). PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 151
User Validation Tab Require a Valid User ID to make a Reservation Used to direct PC Reservation to verify the user ID with the Validating Authority (ILS or validation server, AAM database, or None) before allowing the reservation to be made. At Staff‐Managed Reservation Stations and the Management Console, an override button allows the reservation to be made regardless of the fact that the user has been shown to be invalid. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 152
Enabling this setting causes the Management Console to initiate a connection to the configured Validating Authority. If this setting is left unchecked, the SIP indicator light on the bottom‐right hand corner of the Management Console will be Gray. Limit PC use per day Determines whether the use of PCs is limited for users. If unchecked, users will be able to get as many reservations as they want as long as they enter a valid user ID. Track This section of the User Validation tab allows you to specify whether PC Reservation will be used with minutes or sessions. For more information about the Sessions‐Based and Minutes‐Based Models please see Chapter 5 – Planning Your Installation. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 153
Sessions Used to specify that the system will function under the Session‐Based Model Maximum PC Uses per User per Day Used to specify the maximum amount of sessions each user is allowed to have per day Ignore No Shows If , a no show will not count against the maximum uses per day. Minutes Used to specify that the system will function under the Minute‐Based Model Maximum Minutes per User per Day Used to specify the maximum amount of minutes a user may have per day. Users may utilize their minutes by logging into computers as many times as they want as long as they have not reached the maximum amount of minutes allowed per day. No Shows This drop‐down menu provides three choices for how users should be penalized when they fail to sign into reserved sessions. These settings can only be used under the Minute‐Based Model. 1. Count Full Session The full session amount is deducted from the user’s available time for the day. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 154
2. Count Grace Period Only the grace period is deducted from the user’s available time for the day. 3. Do Not Count The user will not be penalized at all for the no show. Ignore Interrupted Sessions , a session that has been interrupted will not count as a use. If Also check Central History to enforce restrictions By default, this setting is disabled. System‐wide History must be enabled on the AAM Integration Tab and a valid connection to the AAM database must be defined before this option may be used. Note: Upon upgrading to Version 3.5.1, the system updates the central history database to include additional tables. This update can take time and requires that the system not be in use during the update. If during upgrade the user decides not to update the database, this checkbox will be un‐selected by the system. When the checkbox is manually selected by the user, the system prompts for the database to be updated. The system continues to disable the checkbox (and as a result turn off central history) until the database update can be performed. Thereafter, placing a check mark in this box will cause the Management Console to query the central history database to determine if a user has already had his or her allowed sessions at ANY location in the system. This allows organizations to implement system‐wide usage restrictions. If you want a policy that limits to(x) uses per day PER BRANCH, this box. If you want to enforce a policy that limits to x uses per day for the entire system, this box. When using Central History, each location must be configured to write history to the central history database. This check is only made if the user has not exceeded the limits at the local facility. The system first checks the local table and if limits are not exceeded, it then checks the central table. Removing the check from this box disables any checks against the central history database. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 155
Usage records will still be written to the database, but the Management Console will not use those records to enforce maximum use per day. Allow Concurrent Reservations Determines whether a user can simultaneously hold more than one reservation for a given day. This restriction also takes into account any active sessions the user may presently have. If you permit more than one use per day, then concurrency determines whether the user may have only one reservation at a time for a day or multiple reservations for a day. For example, if you allow 3 uses per day but do not allow concurrent reservations, then a user may have only 1 reservation at any given time for a day. Once a reservation has been consumed, he or she may have another session. This has no bearing on future reservations because the system views each day separately. If , a user must use (or have a staff member cancel) a reservation before the system will allow him or her to make another reservation. If , the user may simultaneously hold more than one reservation for a given day. This restriction also takes into account any active sessions the user may presently have. Check Central History for Concurrent Reservations Placing a check in this box causes the Management Console to query the central history database to determine if a user already has an existing reservation or active session at any other location. When using Central History, each location must be configured to write history to the central history database. This check is only made if the user is not found to have concurrent reservations at the local facility. The system first checks the local table and if there are no concurrent reservations, it then checks the central table. Removing the check from this box disables any checks against the central history database. Usage records will still be written to the database, but the Management Console will not use those records to enforce concurrent reservation restrictions. System‐
wide History must be enabled on the AAM Integration tab and a valid connection to the AAM database must be defined before this option may be used. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 156
Allow user to cancel existing reservation if denied due to usage restrictions This option allows a user to cancel an existing reservation in exchange for a different reservation. This only applies to reservations made at Self‐Service Reservation Stations. Note that the option is only valid if user validation is being used to identify and validate User IDs and if users are limited to a given number of sessions per day and/or concurrent reservations are not allowed. Require User to enter account PIN to make a Reservation If you wish to require a PIN in ADDITION to a user ID in order to make a reservation, check this option. If , PC Reservation requires that the user enter his or her PIN (from the ILS account) before it submits the user ID for validation. If the user is validated successfully, the private PIN becomes the PIN assigned to the user’s reservation. If the reservation is made using a staff override (because the ID could not be validated), then the system will assign a random PIN to the reservation. PIN is alphanumeric Used to determine if the PIN from the ILS or validation server contains alpha characters. Case Sensitive Check this option to force users to enter their PINs using the same case as exactly as it is stored in the Reservation Station. When the PIN is not an exact match, users are blocked from claiming their reservation. Uncheck this option to allow users to enter their PINs in upper or lower case; users will not be blocked from claiming a reservation. Note: This option is unchecked by default.
Encrypt PIN in Local Database When this box is enabled, user’s PIN numbers are encrypted throughout the database. Note: Checking this option also automatically enables the Mask PIN check box. When user’s PINs are encrypted, EnvisionWare support can be decrypt the PIN. However, when user’s PINs are masked, user’s PINs cannot be recovered by Staff or EnvisionWare support. Mask PIN Check this option to conceal valid ILS user PINs in the Management Console, Staff Reservation Station and Self Service Reservation Station. Valid ILS user PINs are concealed even if the reservation is overridden. Guest user PINS are always displayed as they are not validated against the ILS. To select this option, complete the following steps: 1. Open the Management Console. 2. Click Preferences. 3. Click the User Validation tab. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 158
4. Check the Require user to enter account PIN to make a reservation check box. 5. Check the Mask PIN check box. 6. Click Apply. 7. Click OK. Require User to enter last name to make a Reservation
If , PC Reservation requires that a user enter a part of his or her last name along with the complete user ID in order to make a reservation. Because SIP does not provide a mechanism for distinguishing last name from the rest of a name, the system must allow any portion of a last name match. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 159
Track User Name For libraries that require name‐tracking, particularly outside the U.S., this setting permits the system to store and display user names. Once Track User Name is enabled the names of users are retrieved from your ILS along with other user information and stored in the local PC Reservation database. User names are viewable by clicking View Reservations, View PC Status, or View History at the Management Console and the Staff‐Managed Reservation Station. Trade Dialog Box The Trade Dialog box displays the computer name which helps staff easily determine which computers are reserved or traded by computer name. Users can also determine which computers are available to reserve or trade by computer name. To configure the Trade Dialog box, complete the following steps: 1. Open the Management Console. 2. Click Preferences. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 160
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Select the User Validation tab. Click the Limit PC user per day check box. Click the up and down arrows to restrict the number of sessions or minutes. Check the Allow Users to cancel reservation if denied due to use restrictions check box. 7. Uncheck the Allow Concurrent Reservations check box. 8. Click Apply. 9. Click the @Client Reservations tab. 10. Check the Allow @Client Reservations check box. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 161
11. Check the Allow Users to Trade an existing reservation for a later time for an @Client Reservation check box. 12. Click Apply. 13. Click OK. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 162
Once the steps are completed, the following screen displays when a user trades a reservation for an earlier session.
@Client Reservations Tab Allow @Client Reservations If enabled, users will be able to reserve a PC directly at the Client. When enabled, @Client Reservations allow a user to request use on an available computer without having to first make a reservation from a Reservation Station or Management Console (Staff Assisted). PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 164
Allow Short Sessions
If ,unchecked a full session length must be available to make an @Client reservation. If , time available on the PC that is less than the standard session length but greater than a minimum session length will be available. Short sessions permit greater flexibility particularly for users that are more concerned about immediate use and less concerned with the amount of time. When using Session Limits, the Short session decision becomes a concern of a user that requires maximum time on a PC. Minimum Session Length
If allow short sessions is enabled, this value defines the minimum length of time that must be available on the PC in order for the system to grant a request for an @Client Reservation. For example, if this value is 15 minutes and full‐length sessions are 60 minutes, then the Management Console will grant an @Client Reservation request if at least 20 minutes (15 minutes plus (1) 5‐minute skip block) is available before the next reservation at a particular PC. Short sessions must be at least 10 minutes. Allow Express Use Only
Express Use differs from Short Sessions in that Express sessions are a specific length and short sessions can vary. In addition Express sessions may be exempted by policy from the maximum use count. If you wish to use the Express model instead of Short sessions, enable this feature by checking the box. Express Use Session Length This value defines the time granted for an @Client Reservation. For example, if this value is 15 minutes, then users who request @Client Reservations will be given 15 minute sessions instead of full or short sessions. Express Use Sessions must be at least 10 minutes. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 165
Offer Express Use when Full Session is not Available If the user cannot be granted a full session due to time available or too many uses for a given day, this value determines whether he or she may be offered an Express Use Session instead. Express Use Session Length If Offer Express Use when Full Session is not available is enabled, this value defines the time granted for an @Client Reservation. For example, if this value is 15 minutes, then users who request @Client Reservations will be given 15 minute sessions instead of full sessions. Express Use Sessions must be at least 10 minutes. Allow User to trade an existing reservation at a later time for an @Client Reservation If user validation is being used to identify and validate User IDs and if users are limited to a given number of sessions per day, this option allows a user to trade an existing reservation for a full‐length session for an @Client Reservation starting immediately. The @Client Reservation may be shorter than the full‐
length session. Allow Reservation when user’s remaining minute balance is less than the minimum session length (minute‐tracking only) Check this option to allow users to reserve computers within minutes of the facility’s closing time. Users are able to log directly into the session from the client, exhaust their balance and are not limited to creating last minute reservations from the Reservation station. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 166
The system has to be configured to track usage by minutes instead of sessions. To select this option, complete the following steps: 1. Open the Management Console. 2. Click the Preferences tab. 3. Click the User Validation tab. 4. Check the Minutes check box. 5. Click Apply. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 167
6. Click OK. 7. Click the @Client Reservations tab. 8. Check the Allow Short Sessions check box. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 168
9. Check the Allow reservation when user’s remaining minute balance is less than the minimum session length (minute‐tracking only) check box. 10. Click Apply. 11. Click OK. Note: Allow Short Sessions and Allow reservation when user’s remaining minute balance is less than the minimum session length (minute‐tracking only) PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 169
Express Use Settings If Express Use Sessions are enabled, these options define how they are to behave. Allow Extra Time in Express Use Sessions Determines whether Extra Time is granted to users in Express Use Sessions. Count Express Use Sessions in Max Uses Check Determines whether Express Use Sessions are counted when deciding if the user has had too many uses for a given day. This setting requires a limit on the maximum uses per day. If , Express Use and Full Sessions both count toward a user’s maximum uses per day, as defined on the User Validation tab. If ,, only Full Sessions (or short sessions if they are allowed) count toward a user’s maximum uses per day. Allow Express Use even when User holds another Reservation Determines whether a use may be granted an Express Use Session even though he or she holds a valid reservation for a Full Session later in the day. If , a user may have a reservation for a Full Session and still be granted an Express Use Session. If , a user may not be granted an Express Use Session if he or she already holds another reservation Note: Requires Validation Module and a limit on multiple concurrent reservations. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 170
Guest Management Tab Note: If you are upgrading from any version of PC Reservation prior to Version 3.2 your original guest settings from the User Validation tab will be transferred to the new Guest Management tab and the new behavior will be adopted. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 171
Note: To use the Guest Management system you must be using a Validating Authority (configured on the Validating Authority Tab) and “Require a Valid User ID to Make a Reservation” must be enabled on the User Validation Tab in the Management Console’s Preferences. If the Require a Valid User ID to make a Reservation setting on the User Validation tab is not selected, the Guest Management tab will be disabled and must be reconfigured once the user validation setting is turned back on. Allow Guest Users Enables the Guest Management System and allows you to create guest users. When Guest Management is completely configured the button appears on the Management Console’s toolbar. Pressing the button causes a guest barcode to be printed from the receipt printer. See the settings below for information on printing User ID numbers and PINS along with the barcode. Guest User ID Generation Starts With Allows you to set a starting alpha‐numeric sequence for Guest Pass. This starting sequence should be different than the starting sequence of valid barcodes in the user database. When a guest user uses a Self‐Service Reservation Station or @Client Reservation, the system will check the Guest Pass starting sequence and the Guest table in the local database to ensure that there is a Guest Pass that matches the ID entered by the guest. Digits Specifies the required number of digits in a Guest Pass. This number should be adjusted to include the Guest User ID prefix which is specified in the “Starts With” field. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 172
In our example, the Guest Pass is configured so that each ID generated by the system starts with the word “GUEST”. The number of digits specified is ‘7’. This means that each Guest Pass will consist of the word “GUEST” followed by two randomly generated digits. Guests must enter the specified amount of characters for their User ID when the value in the field is greater than 0. If “Allow Guest Users” is , you must specify a number of digits in the “Digit” field before you can close Preferences or move to another tab. The number of digits specified in the Digits field should not be greater than the number of digits specified in the Number of Digits in User ID field on the Appearance Tab. Number of Days ID is Valid Specifies the number of days the guest will be able to make reservations with the temporary guest barcode. Apply Usage Restrictions to Guest User When , the system will apply session or minutes restrictions and concurrency rules as defined in the settings that follow. Sessions/Minutes Per Day Specifies the total amount of time or total number of sessions guest users are allotted per day. This allows you to give guests a different amount of usage time per day than regular cardholders. This setting reads “Sessions Per Day” when using sessions and “Minutes Per Day” when using minutes. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 173
Allow Concurrent Reservations Determines whether a guest user may simultaneously hold more than one reservation for a given day. This restriction also takes into account any active sessions (sessions that are currently in process) the guest user may presently have. If you permit more than one use per day, then concurrency determines whether guest users may have only one reservation at a time for a day or multiple reservations for a day. For example, if you allow 3 uses per day but do not allow concurrent reservations, then a guest user may have only 1 reservation at any given time for a day. Once a reservation has been consumed, he or she may have another session. This has no bearing on future reservations because the system views each day separately. If , a guest user must use (or have a staff member cancel) a reservation before the system will allow him or her to make another reservation. If , the guest user may simultaneously hold more than one reservation for a given day. This restriction also takes into account any active sessions the guest user may presently have. Allow user to cancel existing reservation if denied due to use restrictions If , guest users may cancel a reservation that is pending for a later time in the day if it is preventing them from making a reservation due to usage restrictions. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 174
Allow Bulk Generation Allow Bulk Generation enables numerous guest passes to be printed with one click. To select this option, complete the following steps: 1. Open the Management Console. 2. Click Preferences. 3. Click the Guest Management tab. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 175
4. Check the Allow Bulk Generation check box. 5. Click Apply. 6. Click OK. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 176
To adjust the number of printed guest passes, complete the following steps: 1. Select Make Guest Pass. The Print Guest Pass dialog box displays. 2. Select the number of Guest Passes in the Number of Guest Passes field. 3. Click Print. Note: Guest Pass values can be entered between one and one hundred. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 177
Allow Bulk Generation at Staff Stations This option allows numerous guest passes to be printed with one click. To select this option, complete the following steps: 1. Open the Management Console. 2. Click the Guest Management tab. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 178
3. Check the Allow Bulk Generation at Staff Stations check box. 4. Click Apply. 5. Click OK. Default Number of Passes Select this option to choose the default number of Guest Passes . To select this option, complete the following steps: 1. Open the Management Console. 2. Click the Guest Management tab. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 179
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Enter the number of passes in the Default Number of Guest Passes field. Click Apply. Click OK. From the Management Console, click Make Guest Pass. The Print Guest Pass Dialog Box displays.
7. Adjust the total amount of Guest Passes printed. 8. Click Print. Require Guest to enter account PIN to make a Reservation This option is only available for use if “Require user to enter account PIN to make a Reservation” is enabled on the User Validation Tab. If this option is , temporary guest user accounts will be created with a PIN in addition to the guest barcode that is generated by the system. The number of digits in the auto‐
generated PIN is determined by the number specified on the Appearance tab in the setting shown below: Customize Receipt Guest Receipts require that you use a Windows driver with your receipt printer. Many ILS receipt printers are installed with a generic text driver which will not render a barcode. You can install a Windows driver for use with the same printer that is presently used with a generic text driver, retaining current ILS PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 180
behavior and adding PC Reservation guest functionality. In order to print guest barcodes you must be able to access the receipt printer locally or through a share from the Reservation Station or Management Console. When is pressed the following dialog box appears. This option allows you to print a readable Guest Pass on the receipt with the barcode. By default, the Guest Pass is included on the guest receipt. If you do not want to show the Guest Pass on receipts you must uncheck this setting. This dialog also allows you to specify the printer margin settings for printed guest receipts. Margins may be negative or positive, depending on the settings that are the most compatible with your receipt printer. Negative margin settings allow you to correct for printers that set a large top or left margin for the guest barcode printout. By default, the margins that are applied to the receipts are determined by Windows but PC Reservation allows you to adjust the margins to change the appearance of receipts. The Top Margin setting adjusts the top of the receipt and the Left Margin setting adjusts the left side of the receipt. Click Apply or OK on the Guest Management Tab once the system is configured. Clicking OK saves any changes and closes the Preferences window. Clicking Apply simply saves the changes made but does not close the Preferences window. Enabling Guest Management causes the “Make Guest Pass” button to appear on the main Management Console screen. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 181
Key: If the Staff‐Managed Reservation Station is running when Guest Management is turned on at the Management Console, the Reservation Station must be restarted in order for the Make Guest Pass button to appear. No extra onfiguration steps are necessary in the Reservation Station Configuration in order to configure the Reservation Station to print Guest Pass. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 182
Scheduled Maintenance Tab Clear Log Files Used to determine whether diagnostic log files are to be cleared manually and, if so, how often they are to be cleared. If this is set to Weekly or Monthly, the specific day may also be defined. Once your system is operating as expected, we recommend that Clear Log files be set to Weekly on Wednesday. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 183
Make a backup when clearing the logs Determines whether a backup will be made when log files are cleared. If this option is set, each log file will be renamed *.BAK before it is cleared. Previous backup files will be overwritten and the system retains only one BAK file per log. Clear the User ID from Usage Records for Previous Days For user privacy, this setting should be enabled because it is used to determine if the User Id field in the Usage table found in the reservation database (pcres.mdb) is replaced with “(Cleared)” on a daily basis for all previous days. This allows the facility to retain usage information for analysis purposes without associating the usage information with specific users. This does not apply to PC Reservation logs or any file other than the Reservation Database. Key: User names will also be cleared at this time if you have configured your system to track user names. The clearing of User IDs and user names occurs at 2 a.m. each day IF the Management Console is running at that time. If the Management Console is not running at that time, the information will be cleared from the database when the Management Console is started. Automatically Restart the Management Console Daily (Recommended) This option closes the Management Console between 2:00 and 2:59 am and automatically restarts it at 3:00 am. Administrative Credentials are required and it is added as a daily scheduled task. Compact PC Reservation Database with each Restart (Recommended) This option compacts the database between 2:00 and 2:59am and automatically closes the Management Console at 2:59 am and restarts it at 3:00 am. When both options are checked, the database compacts between 2:00 and 2:59 a.m. Once compaction is complete, the Management Console closes at 2:59 am and restarts at 3:00 am. The benefits are a cleaner compacted database and new log files. Note: The Compact PC Reservation Database Daily option has been removed with this Service Pack. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 184
AAM Integration Tab Tab shown with MySQL Database Type The Authentication and Accounting Module (AAM) is a set of optional features that can be used to provide additional functionality for your system. AAM is used by multiple EnvisionWare applications. For PC Reservation, AAM provides multi‐branch usage restrictions (the ability to limit users across multiple locations or branches), to support Time Vending (charging for time), and to store usage history centrally (in addition to locally) for multi‐branch installations. Key: Please refer to the Authentication and Accounting Module Technical Manual for information on how to configure the AAM database prior to completing these settings. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 185
AAM Connection Using MySQL An AAM connection must be present in order to use Time Vending or Central History. AAM Database Type Specify the type of database used by the Authentication and Accounting Module. The other options on the tab vary according to the selected entry. Options available are MySQL and Access. The AAM database must already exist. Database Server IP Address (MySQL only) the IP address of the machine on which the MySQL database engine is running. Port
(MySQL only) the port that the MySQL database engine is configured to use for new connections. The default port for MySQL is 3306. User Name (MySQL only) the user account that should be used to authenticate to the MySQL database engine. This account must have been given permission to access the database from the PC on which this Management Console is running Password (MySQL only) the password for the user specified in the previous field PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 186
AAM Connection Using Microsoft Access Database Location (Access only) the path to the dbAuthentication.mdb file used by the Authentication and Accounting Module. If this database is on a remote computer, file and network share permissions may need to be modified to permit the PC running this Management Console to connect to it. Central History Note: Upon upgrading to Version 3.5.1, the system updates the central history database to include additional tables. This update can take time and requires that the system not be in use during the update. If during upgrade the user decides not to update the database, this checkbox will be un‐selected by the system. When the checkbox is manually selected by the user, the system prompts for the database to be updated. The system continues to disable the checkbox (and as a result turn off central history) until the database update can be performed. Enable System‐wide History Placing a check in this box configures the Management Console to write usage information to the central history database (in addition to usage history stored local to the Management Console). Removing the check from this box disables the System‐wide History feature. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 187
Name for this Location To differentiate records in the central history database, each location must have a unique name. For example, in a multi‐branch system, this might be the branch library name. Auto‐create Users in the AAM Database Auto‐create AAM Users Selecting this option configures the following behavior for PC Reservations: AAM user accounts are automatically created when the user is validated via the Integrated Library System (ILS). Once validation occurs, users may enter their library card number (or some valid Id number) to make a reservation. During the process of making a reservation, the system checks to see if the user exists in the AAM database. If the user is not found in the AAM database they are automatically assigned a Deposit, Credit, and/or Allocation Account (based on AAM configuration) in the AAM database. These accounts may be used to pay for time vending, print jobs with LPT:One, or pay library fines/fees with EnvisionWare eCommerce Services. Each account is automatically created in the AAM’s ‘SIP Default Group’. See the EnvisionWare Authentication and Accounting Module Technical Manual for more information on this feature. Central History Information Storage When System‐wide History is enabled, usage information is written to the central history database when: a reservation is made a reservation is cancelled (including No Shows) a session is started a session is closed a session is interrupted PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 188
The following represents the codes stored in the AAM database pcrStatus field that reflects the record status. This information can be used for sites electing to generate custom reports: 0 = reservation 255 = in use 512 = session closed (normal termination) 768 = no show 1024 = interrupted session AAM Usage Data Usage data written to the local PC Reservation database is copied to the AAM database. The benefit of this option is the ability to create reports. The following PC Reservation usage details are written to the AAM database: • Actual wait time for reservation using the ‘pcrActualWait’ key. • Quoted wait time for reservation using the pcrQuotedWait’ key. • Number of extra time extensions granted using the ‘pcrExtraTimeExtensions’ key. • Determination whether or not the session filtered content using the ‘pcrFiltered’ key. • Identify the language used in the session using the ‘pcrLanguage’ key. • Reservation type such as ‘at client’ or ‘express’ reservations using the ‘pcrReservationType’ key. • Start time of the session using the ‘pcrStartTime’ key. • Stop time of the session using the ‘pcrStopTime’ key. • Identifies the module from which the reservation was made, such as the Management Console, using the ‘pcrWhereMade’ key. • Identifies if the user is valid using the ‘pcrValidUser’ key. To select this option, complete the following steps: 1. Open the Management Console. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 189
2. Click Preferences. 3. Click the AAM Integration tab. 4. Check the Enable System‐wide History check box PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 190
5. Click Apply. 6. Click OK. Note: When the Enable System‐wide History option is not selected, history is not written to the AAM database. The following PC Reservation usage details are written to the AAM database: • Actual wait time for reservation using the ‘pcrActualWait’ key. • Quoted wait time for reservation using the pcrQuotedWait’ key. • Number of extra time extensions granted using the ‘pcrExtraTimeExtensions’ key. • Determination whether or not the session filtered content using the ‘pcrFiltered’ key. • Identify the language used in the session using the ‘pcrLanguage’ key. • Reservation type such as ‘at client’ or ‘express’ reservations using the ‘pcrReservationType’ key. • Start time of the session using the ‘pcrStartTime’ key. • Stop time of the session using the ‘pcrStopTime’ key. • Identifies the module from which the reservation was made, such as the Management Console, using the ‘pcrWhereMade’ key. • Identifies if the user is valid using the ‘pcrValidUser’ key. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 191
Time Vending Tab
PC Reservation® provides the option of using Time Vending to charge users for time that is granted on the PCs. It also allows you to choose how you want to charge users if they do not show up for their session. Further, it is possible to charge for interrupted sessions and give refunds. The main configuration settings for Time Vending are described in this section. Key: By default, the Time Vending tab is disabled. The Time Vending functionality is dependent on whether AAM Integration is turned on because time is paid for using the AAM. Time Vending cannot be used without AAM Integration. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 192
Charge for Time Used Determines whether users are charged for time used on the PCs Charge Per Minute Determines how many cents are charged per each minute of time used on a PC No Show Charges Used to determine what users are charged if they do not show up for a reserved session Charge For Full Session If selected from the drop‐down menu the user is charged for the entire session. For example, if sessions are 60 minutes long and 10 cents is charged per minute, the user should be charged $6.00. Charge For Grace Period If selected from the drop‐down menu the user is charged for only the grace period. For example, if sessions are 60 minutes long with a 5 minute grace period and 10 cents is charged per minute, the user should be charged 50 cents. Do Not Charge If selected from the drop‐down menu the user will not be charged for a no show. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 193
Charge for Interrupted Sessions Used to determine whether users are charged for sessions that are interrupted. Refund Policy The refund policy is used to determine how much money is refunded to the users AAM account if the system determines that a refund must be issued. Refunds will be issued if a user fails to use the full session or if a user’s session is interrupted. Full Refund A full refund will be deposited back into the user’s AAM account. Pro‐Rated Amount When selected from the drop‐down menu, a new percentage field appears. In the percentage field, enter what percentage of the full refund amount will be given to users. For example, if the session is 60 minutes long and costs $6.00, and the pro‐rated percentage amount is 50%, $3.00 will be refunded. No Refund If selected, no money is refunded to the user when a session is interrupted. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 194
Allow Staff to Offer “No Charge” Sessions When selected, the No Charge button will appear as an option when making a reservation from the Management Console or the Staff‐Managed Reservation Station. An example of this is shown below. Allow Staff to Accept Cash Transactions If selected, the Pay Cash option appears at the Management Console or Staff‐
Managed Reservation Station when making a reservation for a user who does not have a valid AAM account such as a Guest. Insufficient Funds Policies A user has sufficient funds if the current balance is greater than or equal to the projected charge for: PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 195
All Reservations for Today Only If , the user must have enough funds in their AAM account to pay for any previously scheduled sessions for today in addition to the reservation currently being requested. All Pending Reservations (Including Future) If , the user must have enough funds in their AAM account to pay for any previously scheduled sessions for today and in the future, in addition to the reservation currently being requested. Allow Self‐Service Reservations If selected, users who have insufficient funds will be allowed to make a reservation from a Self‐Service Reservation Station Only If Current Balance Is Greater Than 0
If , the user’s AAM account may contain insufficient funds to pay for the self‐service reservation but its balance must be greater than zero. Once a reservation is made the user is expected to deposit sufficient funds into their account to pay for the reservation. They will not be able to log into their session until the funds are available. If , the user’s AAM account may contain insufficient funds to pay for the self‐service reservation even if their balance is zero. These users will still be able to make self‐service reservations. Once a reservation is made the user is expected to deposit sufficient funds into their account to pay for the reservation. They will not be able to log into their session until the funds are available. Allow @Client Reservations (Hold For Grace Period) If selected, users who have insufficient funds will be allowed to make @Client reservations. Only If Current Balance Is Greater Than 0 If , the user’s AAM account may contain insufficient funds to pay for the @Client reservation but its balance must be greater than zero. Once PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 196
a reservation is made the user is expected to deposit sufficient funds into their account to pay for the reservation. They will not be able to log into their session until the funds are available. If , the user’s AAM account may contain insufficient funds to pay for the @Client reservation even if their balance is zero. These users will still be able to make @Client reservations. Once a reservation is made the user is expected to deposit sufficient funds into their account to pay for the reservation. They will not be able to log into their session until the funds are available. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 197
Section 3 – Using PC Reservation C H A P T E R 9 – Making and Using Reservations Making Reservations Reservations can be made at Self‐Service Reservation Stations, Staff Managed Reservation Stations, @ the Client, Management Console, Web Module for PC Reservation, and via touch‐tone using the ETAPI protocol with a 3rd party IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system. While the layout and appearance of the screens will vary, the general process is the same on all components. Making a Reservation at the Management Console (MC) or a Staff Managed Reservation Station (SMRS) The ‘make reservation’ process at the SMRS and the Management Console is exactly the same. Select on the toolbar. Enter the User ID of the person requesting a reservation. If PC Areas have been defined, select the appropriate PC area (if desired). You also have the choice of specifying the language, time, or specific PC. . Once you have made your selections press If a computer meeting the user’s needs can be scheduled, a confirmation screen showing the reservation details will appear. If not, a screen explaining that the reservation cannot be made is shown. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 198
Override Session Length The Override Session Length is located on the Reserve a Computer screen in the Management Console and Staff Reservation Station. This option allows staff the flexibility to override and modify configured session lengths. To select the Override Session Length check box, complete the following steps: 1. Select the Make Reservation button from the Management Console or Staff Reservation Station. 2. The Reserve a Computer screen displays. 3. Check the Override Session Length check box. 4. Use the up and down arrows to adjust the minutes. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 199
Feature Behavior The following is a list of behaviors: 1. The minimum value is ten, and staff can increase the value as desired. 2. Session overrides are possible whether or not the userʹs daily or remaining balance is exceeded. 3. Session overrides cannot extend beyond the system preferences ʹPC Scheduleʹ. 4. Session overrides can extend beyond the ‘area’ preferences ʹScheduleʹ if, the session length does not extend beyond the system preferences ʹPC Scheduleʹ. 5. If requested time starts before ʹsystemʹ opening time, session start time adjusts to the opening time, and the reservation is granted whether or not ʹOverride Session Lengthʹ is selected. 6. If requested time is before ʹareaʹ opening time, session start time adjusts to the opening time and the reservation is granted whether or not ʹOverride Session Lengthʹ is selected. 7. If requested time is before ʹareaʹ closing time and session end time is after ʹareaʹ closing time BUT before ʹsystemʹ closing time, the reservation is granted with a warning of the closing time when ʹOverride Session Lengthʹ is selected. 8. However, when an override is not selected, the reservation length is shortened to not extend beyond the ʹareaʹ closing time. 9. If requested time starts after ʹareaʹ closing time and session end time is after or before ʹsystemʹ closing time, the reservation is not granted even if an override is selected. 10. If requested time starts before ʹsystemʹ closing time and session end time is after ʹsystemʹ closing time, the reservation is not granted even if an override is selected. 11. If requested time is a holiday and ‘Override Session Length’ is selected the reservation is granted. 12. If requested time is a holiday and ‘Override Session Length’ is not selected, the system prompts for an override; if selected, the reservation is granted. 13. If requested time is a CLOSED, the reservation is not possible and the system conveys that no PCs are available to satisfy the request. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 200
Making a Reservation at a Self – Service Reservation Station The Process: Select Next Available PC (or Future Reservation if enabled) Enter User ID (i.e., Library Card) Select the AREA (if configured) Accept/Decline the Reservation Print a Receipt (optional configuration) When a user approaches a Self – Service Reservation Station, the computer will be at an idle screen. Moving the mouse or pressing a key will bring the computer out of its idle state and begin the ‘Make Reservation’ process. The Welcome screen is shown giving instructions to the user. If no action is taken within 30 seconds, the computer will return to the idle screen. If a Computer Use Policy is linked, the button will display. If Future Reservations are enabled, this button displays. On all public interfaces, a disabled choice is not visible. “Envisionware” displayed boldly in the center, will be replaced with your registered site name. To make a reservation, the user should press the Next Available PC button or the Future Reservation button. The user should follow the on‐screen prompts and supply the requested information. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 201
The system then prompts for the User ID (the actual text depends upon how you configured your system). The user may type the number on the keyboard or you may provide a barcode scanner. If you are not authenticating users, you may allow any entry here. A pseudo authentication method allows you to enforce a number of digits and the starting alpha/digit match. Full authentication requires that the User’s ID match an entry in either the ILS or the AAM database depending upon your configuration. You will be required to select an Area only if you have created AREAS in the system. Areas can be locations such as Children’s or functions such as Internet or Word Processing. The appearance of this screen is dependent upon the setting used on the Reservation Station tab of the Management Console. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 202
Using @Client Reservations @Client Reservations allow PC Reservation to maximize the use of Client PCs between reservations. Essentially, @Client Reservations allow users to sign on to available computers eliminating the need to first make a reservation at another station. @Client Reservations must be enabled at the Management Console before users are able to simply walk up to and use a Client. When enabling @Client Reservations, you may also choose to allow short sessions or to designate @Client Reservations as express use only. If short sessions are allowed, the Management Console will grant a request for an @Client Reservation if the minimum session length is available before the next Client PC reservation. If @Client Reservations are designated express use only, then the Management Console will grant the express use session length instead of a full session to Clients requesting @Client Reservations. (For more information about @Client Reservations, see @Client Reservations Tab in the section titled Description of Management Console Settings.) If the @Client Reservation feature is enabled, a user may click on the Available or Reserved At … box on the logon dialog screen at the Client to request an @Client Reservation. The user ID/PIN fields are invisible when the Available indicator is displayed. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 203
The Client will display a screen asking for the user’s ID (and his or her private PIN if the Management Console’s SIP Validation settings require it). The user enters his or her ID and presses OK, and the Client sends a request for an @Client Reservation to the Management Console. If the request can be granted, the Client will display a screen with the details of the @Client Reservation. If the user wants to begin using the PC, he or she presses Use this Computer. His or her session will immediately start. The user is encouraged to write down the user ID and PIN number from the @Client Reservation information screen since it may be required if the session is interrupted (by a power outage, for example). If he or she decides not to use the PC, he or she presses Cancel Reservation and the Client will tell the Management Console to cancel the @Client Reservation. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 204
If Express Use Sessions are allowed, the on‐screen receipt will indicate in red that the session is Express Note: Using PC Reservation Without Reservation Stations
With @Client Reservations enabled, PC Reservation can be configured to operate without requiring users to make reservations from a Reservation Station. This will allow a user to use any available computer for a predefined amount of time without having to sign up first. When all PCs are in use, users must wait until a PC is free, and then it becomes first‐
come‐first‐served. In other words, PC Reservation limits the time a user can spend on a computer, but it does not organize waiting users by pre‐
assigning them to PCs. To configure PC Reservation to work without requiring users to make reservations: Uncheck Allow Extra Time if no one is waiting on the Sessions tab of the preferences screen at the Management Console. Since no reservations will be made, a user would always be granted extra time because the system would have no way to know when anyone is waiting. (The Extend Time button on the PC Status dialog may be used to manually grant extra time to individual users who need it.) Check Allow @Client Reservations on the @Client Reservations tab. Remove any checks from Allow Short Sessions and Allow Express Use Only. The remainder of the settings on the preferences tabs may be configured as they would for a system that uses reservations. Offer Express Use Sessions when Full Session is not Available may be checked or unchecked. This option determines whether users who otherwise would not be granted a session (due to bad standing or too many uses) may be offered an Express Use Session. If checked, be sure to uncheck Allow Extra Time for Express Use Sessions. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 205
Starting a Session To begin a session at a PC Reservation Client, press a key or move the mouse to display the logon screen. Enter the appropriate User Id and the PIN number provided when the reservation was made. Press OK to begin the session. If the user has a reservation on this computer at the current time and has provided the correct PIN number (if applicable), the session will start. Tip: Some users may mistakenly click the “Reserved” text in an attempt to login to their pre‐reserved session instead of entering their User ID and/or PIN in the provided fields. The Reserved text and reservation time for the next reserved session on that PC will always show on the Client screen regardless of whether the reservation is in the immediate future. The Reserved text can be clicked on an @Client PC by any user who wishes to use the Client before the next session is scheduled to start. However, if the user is the owner of the scheduled session shown they must enter the required information in the already‐present text field identified by ‘Library Card Number’. More information about the status field is given below.
Client Screen Login Status Explained The PC Reservation Client appearance changes according to current status. By changing the display according to status, the user is presented only the appropriate options for that status. AVAILABLE If there are no pending sessions or reservations, the word “Available” will appear in green. RESERVED If a reservation or session is booked/pending for that PC, the “Reserved – xx:xx” words will appear on the center bar in red. Because a reservation has been created at either a Remote Reservation Station, the Web Module, or the Management Console, one or more additional fields will display to allow entry of the barcode, PIN, or last name (depending upon preferences set at the Management Console). INTERRUPTED If the user’s session was interrupted due to a power outage or a reboot because of a Windows lock up, the phrase “Click here if your session was interrupted” will appear as a bold blue link at the top of the screen. Clicking the link will display the appropriate login field where the session confirmation number or PIN may be entered to log back into the prior session. Note: Tracking of interrupted status requires persistent recording of information in the PC Reservation application directory. If you are using a hardware security system like Centurion DriveShield, the system will not be able to automatically store and retrieve the interrupted status. For these installations, administrators should instruct users to double‐click the PC Reservation logo on the login screen to bring up the login fields. The user would enter the same user ID and password to continue the previous session. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 207
NO EQUIPMENT RECORD When Client software is initially installed, it will automatically report itself to the Management Console. The Client maintains a “NO EQUIPMENT RECORDS” status until the administrator adds an Equipment Record at the Management Console. OUT OF SERVICE If you mark a PC “Out of Service” at the Management Console, the Client login screen will display this status in red. UNAVAILABLE DUE TO CLOSING TIME This will show in red text on the Client screen when there is less than one minute remaining before closing time and will continue to be displayed until the following day. NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL xx:xx The Client checks the location schedule and the AREA schedule to determine if it should be available for use. If either preference has the Client scheduled as unavailable, this message will display “NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL xx:xx” in the center bar of the login dialog. Super User and Stand‐Alone Login Super‐User Login The administrator can shutdown the Client by pressing CTRL+ CLICK to bring up the password dialog. To access Super User mode, double click the PC Reservation logo to bring up the user ID and PIN fields and enter the Super User information. This allows staff to take immediate unlimited control of any PC instantly. Stand‐Alone Login If communications with the Management Console are interrupted and sustained, the Client will automatically change to Stand‐Alone mode and display login fields. This allows you to continue providing session timeout and access control until you restore communications with the local Management Console. The staff can hand out the stand‐alone ID information so that users can access PCs. When the Management Console communication is restored, the Client will automatically revert to managed mode and will no longer accept the stand‐alone ID. Any users working in a session at the time of the outage will not be affected. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 208
Working in a Session When a session starts, the user is presented with a countdown clock showing the minutes remaining in the session. Any programs that have been configured to start for each session will be started, and the user may use those programs or any others that have been made available through system policies, program menus, or security software. At pre‐configured warning intervals, the user is informed that the session may be nearing an end. The user may save his or her work and tie up any loose ends in his or her current tasks. When the countdown clock reaches one minute, the final seconds are counted down. When the clock reaches zero, all applications that started at the beginning of the session and those opened by the user during the session are forcefully closed, and the Client returns to the idle screen. Users may choose to end a session early by pressing the countdown clock’s Done button. Canceling a Reservation as a User If ‘Allow user to cancel existing reservation if denied due to use restrictions’ (User Validation tab) is enabled, the following window appears when making a reservation if a reservation already exists and concurrent reservations are not permitted, or if concurrent reservations are permitted but the user does not have enough minutes or sessions left for both reservations. The user may select one of the reservations on the list and cancel it or press Keep Existing Reservation(s) to retain the existing booking. This feature can be used by users for self‐service look up of reservation information and to cancel an existing booking. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 209
When the user presses Finish, validation occurs, the system uses the sophisticated algorithms in PC Reservation to find the computer that matches the requirements, and a confirmation screen appears. At this point, the system is holding a reservation as described above. The user must either Accept or Cancel this reservation. The display is a representation of a printed receipt. The Wait time is shown only if an immediate session cannot be granted. When the user presses Accept, the system will print a receipt or offer a choice of printing a receipt (if your system preferences are set to provide this capability). PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 210
C H A P T E R 1 0 – Managing PC Reservation The PC Reservation Management Console manages the reservation database, optionally communicates with an authentication source (Integrated Library System, LDAP authority, or AAM database), and permits configuration of the system preferences, equipment records, and areas. In addition, a number of staff features besides the “Make a Reservation” function are provided for routine management of the system. In smaller facilities, the Management Console may be the only location where system management occurs but in others you may find that multiple staff management locations are desirable. Using the Management Console Effectively The Management Console provides full control over your location’s settings and operation. Settings were reviewed in Chapter 8 – Management Console Preferences. This section deals with the use of the staff controls to view status and manage the system. It is important to state that PC Reservation works best when you permit the system to do the work. Micromanaging the system by attempting to circumvent or manipulate sessions will create a lot more work for the staff and result in lower resource utilization. This program contains sophisticated logic designed to provide fair access, effectively utilize all resources, and reduce the need for regular staff intervention. The Management Console: Using the Configure, Actions, and Utilities Menus Many additional features are available from the Configure, Actions, and Utilities menus on the Management Console. Configure Menu User Validation Rules Wizard The Rules Wizard allows the administrator to configure virtually unlimited rules (RESTRICTIONS, not permissions) based upon supported data. Rules can be enforced against User IDs and additional fields based upon the Validating Authority. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 211
To access the User Validation Rules Wizard select Configure from the Management Console’s toolbar and click User Validation Rules Wizard. Selecting the User Validation Rules Wizard from the Configure menu causes the Wizard to be displayed as shown below. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 212
Add Rule When you press the Add Rule button, the following dialog appears (your Validating Authority(s) will be listed in the same order as under the Validating Authority Tab): The wizard guides the administrator through the process of establishing a user validation rule (RESTRICTION). The top drop‐
down menu displays any Validating Authorities that you have configured on the Validating Authority tab. Depending upon the Validating Authority, the left most drop‐down box will display the list of available criteria. Each of the available choices are listed below: Available Validation Criteria
Recalls Denied
Renewals Denied
Screen Message
Too Many Claims of Items
Excessive Fines
Returned
Fee Amount
Too Many Items Charged
Card Lost
Charges Denied
Excessive Fees
Fee Owed
Too Many Items Lost
Group
Holds Denied
Recall Overdue
Computer Use (AutoGraphics Verso only)
Too Many Items Overdue
Too Many Renewals
User ID
The second box displays the appropriate qualifier. For example, when User ID is selected in the first box, the second box permits selection of “equals”, or “starts with”. For Charges Denied, the qualifier is “equals”. The third field allows you to set the value. Examples: If User ID If User ID If Group If Fee Owed equals starts with equals greater than 32455692341234 DL BORROWER 10.00 Note: If using the “Computer Use” criteria with Auto‐Graphics Verso the third field must contain the word “No” or “Yes” in correlation to the value that is returned from the Verso server. Based upon the criteria set above, you must set the rule that applies in the boxes that follow. Do Not Allow Computer Use Denies all use for the criteria established in the rule. The staff can override an individual user ID at a staff‐managed station or the Management Console. When this box is checked, all other boxes are disabled. The user receives the following message: “The system does not permit access to computers for this account”. Deny Self‐Service When checked, the user cannot make a self‐service reservation. The system displays this message: “The system does not permit self‐service reservations for this account”. Adjust Filter Action When the value matches the rule, filtering is either enabled or disabled for all sessions on any computer. This choice is only available when Dynamic Filtering Control is enabled on the Dynamic Filtering Tab. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 214
If a filter action is not specified when the Adjust Filter Action box is checked a reminder will display when you click OK while exiting the rule configuration window. Allow Access to the Following Areas only When this box is checked, the Rules Wizard obtains a list of available areas and provides check boxes. You can designate in which areas a user is permitted to use a PC. In this example, users who are “ADULTS” are allowed to reserve or sign up at the Client for all areas except the Children’s Area. If an attempt is made to reserve a PC in an AREA that is not permitted, the system displays this message: “The system does not permit access to the requested area for this account.” PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 215
Use Windows Profile
This option allows you to create rules using the Dynamic Windows Profile Manager. This system permits mapping of a Windows profile to patron type, for example. An adult user (based on information from the ILS/Validating Authority) would map a user to an Adult Windows profile and similarly a JUV patron type would map a young user to the Juvenile Windows profile. You can permit access to different applications, change the desktop, and control Windows policies dynamically using this feature. Note: The Windows Profile Manager must first be configured so the list of profiles will be available for creation of the rule. Configuration instructions are given in the next section. is checked, the Rules Wizard obtains a list of When available Windows profiles from the Profile Manager and provides a drop‐down list containing each. You may designate which profile the rule applies to by selecting the profile from the list. If the rule is then applied to the user after he or she is validated in the system, the selected profile will be used during their session. An example of a rule created using the Windows Profile Manager is shown below. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 216
When the configuration of a rule is completed, pressing OK enters a description of the rule on the main Rules Wizard window in the following image. Selecting Edit changes a rule and Remove deletes a rule from the list. Move Up and Move Down buttons allow you to prioritize rules so that the rule with the highest priority takes precedence. When the criteria matches more than one rule, the top most rule of that list is applied. When the user ID is entered to make a reservation, it is validated against the rule at the top of the list. If the rule is not a match for the user ID the second rule in the list is validated against the ID. This continues until either a match is made or no match is found. If no match is found, no rules will be applied to the user’s session. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 217
Dynamic Windows Profile Manager Note:
Users of desktop security systems such as PCRefresh™, Fortres, Clean Slate, Centurion Guard, Deep Freeze, WinSelect, and others, should add the new ewlogon.exe to their exceptions list. More information about this program is contained in the instructions which follow. Version 3.3D or later is required for the use of this feature. If you are upgrading to 3.3D you must upgrade AND re‐configure the Management Console and Client if you wish to use this feature. Upgrades must be done with the Administrator’s account or an account with Admin rights and permissions. The Management Console and Clients do not have to reside in a domain in order for this functionality to work. Installation and Upgrade In order to use the Dynamic Windows Profile Manger the Management Console must be running Version 3.3D or later. To upgrade, access the EnvisionWare Product Support Download page to download the installers for the latest version of PC Reservation available. Run the Management Console installer as normal, selecting options that are appropriate for your installation or upgrade. The Client installation or update provides the option to enable Profile Switching during the installation (shown below). If you choose YES, Dynamic Windows Profile Manager Mode will be enabled. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 218
Tip: Dynamic Windows Manger Mode can also be enabled through the Client Configuration Utility. When this mode is enabled, the Client MUST start from the Run registry key. Therefore you may want to enable this mode from the Client Configuration Utility and at the same time configure to start the client from the Run registry key by selecting the box shown below. Configuration Configuration at the Management Console and the Client must occur for Dynamic Windows Manager Mode to work successfully. Steps required to complete these tasks follow. Management Console Configuration To begin configuration, select Configure at the Management Console and then User Validation Rules Wizard Select Add Rule PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 219
The profile must be selected before creating rules. Therefore you must create the managed profile list. Click Use Windows Profile and click on Manage Windows Profile. Select one the following Validating Authories: Equals Less than Greater than Not equal to Click OK. Select Add PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 220
On the next display you have the option of entering the expected values, or you may click Browse… to locate the User Profile. If you choose to browse, you will encounter Windows display screens that allow you to select a user. System administrators may enter the required information to locate the User Profile. Once the User has been located or the required information has been entered manually, the display may resemble the one below. Notice that there is a button. It allows you to verify the validity of the credentials (Profile Name and Password) entered. If the information is incorrect, the following message will display: PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 221
Once the information has been corrected, select Validate again to check the profile validity. If the credentials are valid the below message will be displayed. Click OK on the dialog to complete the addition of the profile. The added user will appear in the profile list. This completes the configuration for the Management Console. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 222
Client Configuration Click , Select All Programs >> EnvisionWare >> PC Reservation >> PC Reservation Client Configuration and double click to run the program. Enable Profile Switching and select to start the client from the Run registry key as shown below. These two settings must be enabled to allow the Client to function properly in this mode. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 223
When Profile Switching is enabled, the EnvisionWare Auto‐Logon Service is installed. This service manages the Auto Logon process for Windows to enable profile switching. If disabled, the service is uninstalled PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 224
ewlogon.exe is the program which runs the service and is installed to the Client’s local installation directory Tip: Administrators may configure PC Reservation Clients so that they perform logoffs when a session is ended. This configuration is located in Preferences on the Management Console under the Sessions Tab. Additionally, Windows Auto‐Logon should be configured with a default account. In the event a profile rule is not met, sessions will start up using the default account. If there is no default account, the session will begin using whichever Windows account was logged into by the previous user. Operation Functionality of the PC Reservation Client while in Dynamic Windows Profile Manager Mode follows: A user enters their ID at the PC Reservation login screen. If the ID meets a rule created against a profile, the Client is triggered to switch profiles. The Client machine sends the Windows Login Name and Password received from the Management Console for the Profile created, to the EnvisionWare Auto‐Logon Service The Client machine performs a Windows Logoff and then performs a new Windows Auto‐Logon. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 225
The PC Reservation Client starts up again in the NEW Profile and opens the session for the user. The PC Reservation Timer is displayed to track the users remaining time. Action Menu Choices Reserving a PC Area (From the Management Console)
Reserving a PC Area allows staff to make a reservation for an entire computer area. This option is available on the Management Console and can be configured to be available on the Staff Reservation Station. To reserve a PC Area from the Management Console, complete the following steps: 1. Click Actions and Reserve a PC Area. OR 2. Click the Area Reservation button. The system displays the Reserve a PC Area screen. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 226
3. Complete the fields within the Reserve a PC Area screen. Field Definition
Library Card Library card information. This is a required field. PIN PIN information. This is a required field. Repeats The reservation’s frequency. The choices are by a specific date, daily or weekly. This is a required field. Time The reservation’s start time. This is a required field. Area The specific area reservation location. Length The reservation’s length. Language The language used. Ignore Grace Period When this option is checked, it will ignore the system’s Grace Period settings. Disable Inactivity Timeout When this option is checked, the system will ignore the inactivity timeout setting. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 227
4. Click OK. The system displays the Initial Area Reservation screen. 5. Select the Days in Future or Each Day until radio buttons. 6. Click OK. Note: The Initial Area Reservation dialog box is a new option that is available with the PC Reservation 3.5.4 upgrade. To view this new option, Reservation Stations must be upgraded. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 228
Reserving a PC Area (From the Staff Managed Reservation Station) To enable this feature at the Reservation Station, complete the following steps: 1. Open the Management Console. 2. Click the Preferences tab. 3. Select the Reservation Station tab. 4. Check the Allow staff to reserve a PC area check box. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 229
5. Click Apply. 6. Click OK. The system displays the Reserve PC Area button on the Reservation Station. Note: In order for the Reserve PC Area button to display, the Staff Managed Reservation Station has to be closed and restarted. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 230
To reserve a PC Area from the Reservation Station, complete the following steps: 1. Open the Reservation Station. 2. Click the Area Reservation button. The system displays the Reserve a PC Area screen. 3. Complete the fields within the Reserve a PC Area screen. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 231
Field Definition
Library Card Library card information. This is a required field. PIN PIN information. This is a required field. Repeats The reservation’s frequency. The choices are by a specific date, daily or weekly. This is a required field. Time The reservation’s start time. This is a required field. Area The specific area reservation location. Length The reservation’s length. Language The language used. Ignore Grace Period When this option is checked, it will ignore the system’s Grace Period settings. Disable Inactivity Timeout When this option is checked, the system will ignore the inactivity timeout setting. 4. Click OK. The system displays the Initial Area Reservation screen. 5. Select the Days in Future or Each Day until radio buttons. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 232
6. Click OK. Note: The Initial Area Reservation dialog box is a new option that is available with the PC Reservation 3.5.4 upgrade. To view this new option, Reservation Stations must be upgraded. Open the Staff Managed Reservation Station. Enter the User ID for the user who will be signing into the session for the training class, lab, or other scheduled use for the area. This ID will be used by all users for the AREA reservation. Create a PIN for each attendee to enter in order to access use of the computer. This value may be any value designated. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 233
Next, select the Date for your reservation or pick the option to schedule your AREA reservation every day (Daily) or once a week (Weekly). Use the drop‐down list to select the day of the week for the Weekly choice. Select your preferred time. On the right of the screen you can select either a single AREA (all PCs in that area will be booked) or check the box marked Reserve all PCs to block every PC controlled by that Management Console. The default session length for the Area will be displayed and you may change this value to suit the requirements of your event or class. Select the default language for the Client messages. If Dynamic Filtering Control (DFC) is enabled in Preferences, you may select the DFC preference for this AREA reservation. If you want to make certain that reservations do not expire, perhaps to support late arrivals, check the boxes to Ignore Grace Period and Disable Inactivity Timeout. Both of these choices are enabled by default When you press OK, PC Reservation will attempt to book the time requested for all PCs in the area designated. If conflicts arise, an exception list will be displayed and you may choose to terminate the process without making any reservations or continue making reservations for remaining PCs. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 234
Maintaining Recurring Reservations From the Management Console Actions Menu, select Recurring Reservations to view this dialog. The screen shows current valid recurring reservations (any reservation that repeats). To add a new recurring reservation, click on New. You will see the Reserve a PC Area dialog shown in the preceding section. Follow those instructions to create a recurring reservation for a PC, AREA, or the entire branch/location. If you want to delete a recurring reservation, uncheck the box to the left of the item you wish to delete and press Done. You will be presented with the option to confirm deletion. Utility Menu Choices The Utility menu provides choices for changing the logging behavior of the system. These choices should be left at their defaults unless you are instructed to change a setting by a support technician. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 235
Logging Logs contain a running account of the system’s operation, specifically used to troubleshoot issues with the system or the network. The Extended Logging, Network Logging, Client List Logging, and Validation Logging options are available to assist with troubleshooting. You may be asked by your support representative to enable some of these features during troubleshooting. If you have questions about these features please contact your support representative. When your system is operating normally, all extra logging functions should be disabled. View Connected Clients At the Management Console, choose View Connected Clients from the Utilities menu. This will display a list of computers running either the PC Reservation Client Module or the Remote Reservation Station. When you click on a computer in the list, the status of the buttons along the right edge of the dialog change. The View Connected Clients option provides the ability to add equipment records, end sessions, reboot computers, and shutdown computers. Shutdown Clients From the list above, select the computer you wish to shutdown and press the Shutdown Client button. The following will appear: PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 236
From this dialog you can stop the PC Reservation session, shutdown the computer, reboot the computer and also shutdown all PCs. The ability to shutdown all connected PCs is particularly useful at closing time. Database Pruning From the Utility menu, select Database Pruning to display the following screen: Database Maintenance When checked, enter a date to delete usage history prior to the date entered. This will permanently remove the data specified. Clear User ID Field When checked, enter a date to delete only the User ID information from the usage table. All utilization statistics will be retained and the User ID field will display (Cleared). You can also perform this function automatically from the Scheduled Maintenance Tab of the Management Console preferences. Compact the Database on the next restart When checked, the system will schedule a compaction of the database the next time the Management Console is started. During regular use, items that are no longer needed such as previously scheduled reservations are marked for deletion and ‘hidden’ from use. This creates large numbers of useless records. Compaction recovers this space and it also improves the performance of your system. You should compact the database once per month, depending upon the volume and use of your system. As a precaution, check Keep a backup copy of the Database. This will duplicate your database prior to compaction. The displays in this section show the results of your last compaction. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 237
Tip: Set up a time to compact your database every month, or more often for a very busy facility. Managing PC Reservation from the Management Console or Staff Managed Reservation Station The following table describes the differences and similarities in the staff management functions of the Management Console and the Remote Reservation Station (in staff mode). Management Console vs. Staff Managed Reservation Station Table Management Console Functionality vs. Staff Managed Reservation Station Function Management Console Staff Managed Remote Reservation Station Make a Reservation View Reservations Graphical display by PC Reprint Receipt View Reservation Details Cancel a Reservation Send message to a PC Unlock a session End session/reboot/shutdown Extend session time View user history View cancellations 2
Define history display filter View PC Status Configure Preferences Configure Equipment Records 2
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Create Guest Passes Configure Areas Configure Holidays PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 2
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Management Console Functionality vs. Staff Managed Reservation Station Function Management Console Staff Managed Remote Reservation Station Maintain the System Reserve PC Areas Manage Recurring Reservation 2
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The Management Console (1 per branch or location is typical) manages preferences/system settings, connects to validating authorities, provides access to Action choices and utilities. Each toolbar and button shown here is described in the following sections. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 239
The PC Reservation Reservation Station can be configured to run in a Staff – Managed Mode. When running in this mode the program can be installed on all staff computers if desired. Master Clock The Management Console controls the master clock for the location. All functions in the system reference this master clock. Time synchronization is not required for Clients or Reservation Stations; it is recommended only to ensure that time displayed at Clients is consistent with time at the Management Console to avoid user confusion. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 240
Status Bars Center Status Bar The center status bar display indicates the following: Total PCs: The number of PCs in the Equipment Record database PCs in Use: The number of PCs currently in sessions Current Connections: The total number of Clients and Reservation stations connected to the Management Console Next Available Start Time: The next full session time for ANY area. Lower Status Bar The lower status bar provides connection status for Central History and the primary Validating Authority. If you are licensed for AAM and either store information centrally or enforce system‐wide restrictions, a valid connection to the central history database will display GREEN. If you are configured for connection but are not connected, the display is RED. If you are not configured for a connection, the display is GRAY. The primary (first) Validating Authority displays on the bottom right. A GREEN indicator will show if you are connected to any of the SIP, SIP2, and ODBC connection types. A GREEN indicator will also show if you are using the HTTP API connection but since the API does not support persistent connections, this indicator can only change status upon successful/failed reservation attempts. If you choose “None” as your validating authority, the status bar will not show a ‘light’ since there’s nothing to connect to for the choice “None”. A RED indicator will show if the connection to the Validating Authority cannot be established. A GRAY indicator will be displayed if Require a Valid User ID to make a Reservation is disabled on the User Validation tab in Preferences. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 241
Main Toolbar Make Reservation Please see the Chapter 9 – Making and Using Reservations View Reservations When a user forgets their PIN number, loses a receipt (if used) or needs other information about his or her session, staff can View Reservations at the Management Console (and at staff managed Remote Reservation Stations if installed). Pressing View Reservations displays the following screen: Note: If Track User Name is enabled in Preferences an extra User Name row will display showing the names of each user who has a reservation. If the reservation has been made using a staff override, “Staff Override” will show for the reservation instead of the user’s name. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 242
To sort information on the display, click the column heading. In the example above, the Session Start column was clicked to display today’s reservations first followed by the future reservations made with Recurring Reservations. A reservation is valid and displays PRIOR to the actual login by a user. When a valid user logs in at a Client, the Current Reservation is removed from this list and appears in the View History List. It is also available per PC by using the View PC Status dialog. From this management screen, you can View Details, View by PC, Print Receipts, and Cancel a reservation. View Details Click on any of the reservations shown in the previous diagram and click on View Details (or double‐click the choice) to view additional information about a reservation. The Record Detail provides more information including estimated wait time, session type, language preference, time reservation was made, filtering status, and where the reservation was made.
Session Types
Normal – full session based upon location/area settings Short – session accepted by user as less than a full session as defined for that area Express – session for a specific time interval that complies with the Express rules defined in preferences. Where Made Client (1) Self‐Service Reservation Station (2) Management Console (3) Web Module (4) Staff Managed Reservation Station (5) Estimated Wait Time The amount of time between the time that the user made the reservation and the time that the reservation is scheduled to start. A wait time of 0 minutes is represented by “‐‐“. Actual Wait Time This may be shown only when using View History. It reports the actual amount of time the user had to wait before logging into his or her session. A wait time of 0 minutes is represented by “‐‐“. Note: The Actual Wait Time and Estimated Wait Time can only be viewed for local reservations. Wait times are not stored in Central History, therefore the wait times for sessions used at other locations cannot be viewed. Press the OK button when you are finished viewing details for this reservation. Print Receipt Select the reservation for which you want to print a receipt and click Print Receipt (requires that this option be configured on the Reservation Stations tab in Preferences). PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 244
Cancel Reservation Select the reservation to cancel (you may also select multiple reservations by using the CTRL key) and press the Cancel (X) button. The following window will be displayed. Press Yes to cancel or No to abort the cancel process. When you are finished using the Current Reservations management display, press the Close button. View by PC This management screen provides a graphical representation of the status of every PC in your location. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 245
Reservations by PC ‐ Color codes Green: Available Red: Reserved Blue: In use Black: Not available (area or location closed) Gray: Off line Use the scroll bar at the bottom of the screen to view later reservations. Press the Close button when finished viewing Reservations by PC. View PC Status Select this option to monitor computer statuses and availability. To view PC Status, complete the following steps: 1. From the Management Console or Reservation Station, click the View PC Status button. The Current Status screen displays.
To copy the Library Card Number, simply click the copy icon. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 246
Note: The User Name field will be shown when Track User Name is enabled on the User Validation Tab. When you click on a computer name/description, the information about the current session or next reservation will appear, depending upon which is appropriate. PC Status is indicated by color in the left column and text in the Status column. Available (Green): The PC may be scheduled. In Use (Blue): The PC is currently in a session, used by a user. In Extra Time (Pink): The PC is currently in a session that has been granted extra time Extra Time Declined (Turquoise): The PC is currently in session but the user has declined extra time Out of Service (Red): The PC has been intentionally marked out of service and may not be scheduled. Off Line (Gray): The PC is currently off line (perhaps rebooting) and is available for scheduling. The assumption in this case is that unless a PC is marked out of service it may be reserved. Locked (Lock Icon): The PC is in use and in a session and has been intentionally locked by a user who may be away from that PC temporarily (available only when this option is enabled system wide or by area). Not Available (Black): The PCs schedule prevents it from being used at the current time PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 247
When you highlight a session in use, several options are enabled. These options are explained below. Send Message Press Send Message to activate this screen: Type the message you would like to send to the user at the specified PC and press Send. If you want to send a message to ALL active sessions, select: Note: You cannot see the user’s content – this is a system to send a message based upon observation of behavior. Pressing Cancel, concludes that no message will be sent. Unlock If the preference to allow users to lock sessions is enabled under your system preferences (and/or under Area settings) the user can lock a session to temporarily step away from a PC. When locked, inactivity timeout is disabled as is automatic extension of time. When you highlight a session that is Locked on the Management Console, you may press the Unlock button to remotely release the lock. This is done when a user may not remember the password used to set the lock or if you are certain that a user has permanently abandoned his or her session. Staff can also use the staff password at the Client to unlock a locked session. A locked session will terminate normally when time runs out. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 248
End Session Click on an active session, then press End Session to see the following management screen: If you press Cancel, no message will be sent, and the session will not be terminated. If you type a message, this dialog will appear at the Client: When the timeout interval ends, the session will end and the Client will return to the idle screen, logging the user out of that session. Note: In addition to ending a session from the Management Console or a staff‐managed Reservation Station, PCs can be rebooted or shut down from the Management Console using the Utilities/View Connected Clients function.
Extend Time In most configurations, the library will permit PC Reservation to automatically extend user sessions when no one is waiting to use a PC. In certain special cases, staff may desire to manually extend a session. This function may be performed at the Management Console or at a staff managed Reservation Station. To manually extend time, click on the PC for which you want to extend time and press Extend Time. The extend time dialog will appear. Click on the up or down arrow to adjust the amount of time to extend the current session on the PC selected. Press OK to confirm your settings or Cancel to abort time extension. The system will not allow you to conflict with pending reservations. If Time Vending is enabled the user’s charge for extra time will be shown along with their remaining account balance. will also be available. Clicking the button launches the AAM Account Manager and allows you to add funds to the user’s account if needed. to show on the time The use of Time Vending also causes extension screen. This button allows you to extend a user’s session without charging them for the extra time. To see how many minutes the user has used in their current session and total for the day click
. This causes the Management Console to query the local database and display the information in the Time Tracking window. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 250
When you have completed all management review or functions from the Current Status screen, press Finished. View History The View History selection on the Management Console and staff managed Reservation Station permits you to view information about the use of computers by user/user ID. By default the system displays today’s history but you can use the Filter option to change the date range. In addition, filter also permits you to limit the display to usage by a specific user ID. This tool will be important to help dispel claims of unfair use, short sessions, double bookings, and some of the other invalid claims that may be made by a few users who do not like their loss of control over management of public PC resources. Pressing View History displays the Usage History management screen. When the usage policy is declined, a “Declined Policy” status displays in the status column of the “View History” screen. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 251
The Window area at the upper left shows the current filter for the Usage History. By default it is set to all user IDs, today’s use only. Show Clicking the drop‐down menu under Show allows you to choose whether to show Sessions or Cancellations. Choosing Sessions allows you to see information about all sessions used during the specified period of time. Choosing Cancellations allows you to see all reservations that were cancelled during the specified period of time. The purpose of this feature is to assist staff members in aiding users to determine the status of reservations in question. Allowing staff the ability to view Cancelled Reservations permits them to verify that the reservation was cancelled. For example, This feature is very useful for situations where a user may inadvertently cancel his or her reservation and another user has been assigned to the same computer at the same time. Users may need clarification of their booking status and Staff representatives will be able to provide this insight. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 252
Define Filter , the Select Record Criteria screen appears that When you press allows you to enter the User ID(barcode) and/or a date range. You can type or scan a barcode and limit the display only to a particular User’s ID, or change the date range to view information about a particular day or days. Both items can be combined to view specific history about a user over a date range. The dialog provides the option to further limit the display to Interrupted Sessions or No Shows which allows you to analyze the usage history of specific users. You may also choose to view those records from the AAM central history database. View Details The View Details display provides extensive information about the exact parameters of the user’s session. You can also determine why a session closed as well as see the length of the estimated and actual wait time. The Status field is one of the most important indicators when staff is assisting users with their perceived problems or when complaints are given about fair use. In just about every case, the user attempted to circumvent the system or failed to properly acknowledge a system warning and PC Reservation performed the programmed steps to ensure enforcement of your policies. Status indicators: PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 253
No show: The user failed to start a session within the allowable grace period Forced close: The staff manually terminated the user’s session from either the Management Console or a staff managed Reservation Station Inactivity: The user failed to acknowledge the inactivity (no keyboard or mouse activity) warning and the session closed automatically. End Early: The user selected the Done button on the timer window and confirmed the action by pressing End Now. Session timeout: This represents the normal completion of a session by ending at the end of the allocated time. Super User: The super user history shows that the special staff client access password was used to log in to a Client. Cancelled at Management Console: The reservation was cancelled by Staff at the Management Console. Appears only when viewing cancellations. Cancelled at Client: The reservation was cancelled at either a Self Service Reservation Station or an @Client PC. Appears only when viewing cancellations. Purge If you password‐protect Perform Database Pruning from the Security Tab in Preferences, the administrative password will be required to access this program choice. If you want to purge usage history, press the Purge button to display the following dialog: Enter the earliest date you wish to retain and press OK. All records earlier than this date will be deleted upon confirmation of the next screen. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 254
This Record Purge confirmation appears that details what records are about to be purged (deleted). When you say Yes, the system will permanently delete your history records. Make Guest Pass The Make Guest Pass function allows you to create barcodes/User IDs from the Management Console and/or the Remote Reservation Station for guest users who do not have a library card. By default, the Make Guest Pass button is not available on the Management Console. Guest Management must first be configured on the Guest Management Tab in Preferences in order to enable the button. More information about the Guest Management Tab configuration can be found in Chapter 8 – Management Console Preferences. Note: If you will be generating Guest Pass from the Staff‐Managed Reservation Station it MUST be updated to version 3.2 before receipts can be printed. When the Make Guest Pass button is pressed, a drop‐down menu appears, containing all Windows printers available to that PC. This includes Windows shared printers. Select the receipt printer to which you want to print the Guest Pass and/or pin and click Print. The system randomly generates a Guest Pass according to the specifications detailed on the Guest Management Tab in Preferences. The temporary Guest Pass is then stored in the local PC Reservation PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 255
database (pcres.mdb) in the “Guests” table along with the guest pin (a pin will only be created if pins are enabled on the Appearance tab), and the expiration date. Once the guest barcode/ID has been printed and given to the guest they should keep the receipt for making reservations. They will be able to use the barcode on the receipt with barcode scanners or type their Guest Pass (if included on receipt) to make reservations. Note: The Guest User ID and PIN are not viewable from the Management Console unless the guest has already made a reservation using that Guest Pass and PIN. Once the guest has made a reservation Staff will be able to view their User ID and PIN through View PC Status and View Reservations. If a guest loses their receipt a new User ID and PIN should be generated by Staff. Preferences Clicking the Preferences button allows you to configure the PC Reservation system settings.
Please see Chapter 8 for complete details about the options found in Preferences. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 256
Section 4 – Optional PC Reservation Modules C H A P T E R 1 1 – Installing and Using the Reporting Module Installation Install the Reporting Module on a designated computer. This can be the computer hosting the Management Console or other staff computers. After downloading the installer from the EnvisionWare Customer Center, browse to its location and start the program installation. The following installation steps depict actions performed using the Full installer. Read the instructions and click Next> to continue. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 257
Choose to install the Reporting Module and click Install to continue. Select Next> to continue. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 258
Read the agreement, choose to accept the terms in the License Agreement and continue. Otherwise, select Cancel to exit the installation. Accept the default path as your installation directory. Otherwise, click button to locate a customized path for installation, on the select Install to continue. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 259
Once the installation is complete, click Close to shutdown the Setup program for all open windows. Configuration Start the Reporting Module from the Program Menu as follows: Start >> Programs >> EnvisionWare >> PC Reservation >> PC Reservation Reporting Module Click on the file menu and then click on “Select PC Reservation Database”. Browse to the location of the database. The default path is: C:\Program Files\EnvisionWare\PC Reservation\Management Console\pcres.mdb. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 260
Note: If the Management Console you are generating a report for is on a separate PC, for instance, at another branch, you will need to browse to the PC and then to the pcres.mdb file. You will do this by typing the following in the Select PC Reservation Database dialog box: \\Name_of_Management_Console\Program Files\EnvisionWare\PC Reservation\pcres.mdb. You may then proceed to generate the desired report. Also, your computer must have the necessary permissions to access the computer hosting the reporting module. Using the Reporting Module Once the Reporting Module has been configured, you may use it to view statistics about PC use and to generate HTML reports. You can also use the Module to export data to a csv (comma separated value) file where you can then perform custom manipulation of the data using Excel, Access, or another preferred data analysis method. Note: This module only works in conjunction with a Management Console; no statistics are available for stand‐alone clients. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 261
To start the Reporting Module, click on Start>>Programs>>PC Reservation>> PC Reservation Reporting Module. The following screen will appear: The Reporting Module is an intuitive program that contains seven programmed queries for usage. These and other features are shown in the table below. Reporting Module Menu Choices File Menu
Recreate Workspace Select PC Exit Help
Reports Menu
About PC Usage: By PC Area By PC ID By User ID By Date By Month By Day of Week User Defined Selecting Reports >>PC Usage >> By PC Area displays the Select Report Criteria screen. Here you may set the filtering criteria for the report. By default the report displays all the data but you may enter a starting and ending date to view the information for a specific period of time. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 262
The report includes Session timeouts, Inactivity timeouts, Early closes, and Forced closes. You can eliminate any or all of these items by deselecting the choice on this screen. Press OK to display the report. In this example you see the query results for PC Usage by Area. If you wish to generate a report for attachment to email or for printing, click on Generate to display the Export Report Data dialog. The Reporting Module will create an HTML report suitable for attachment to email or for printing. You may also select Export to Comma Delimited File if you want to create a customized view of the report data. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 263
The Export Report Data dialog will create a default report name and the location will be the default directory where you installed PC Reservation. If you want to change the location of the generated report, type a new path and name or click on Browse to browse to your preferred location for storage of the information. If you choose to export to HTML, a choice will be provided to allow you to automatically view the file in the default system browser. Follow a similar method to view and generate reports according to the other criteria on the Reports / PC Usage menu. The following is a sample report of PC Usage by Area: PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 264
Local Date Format The reporting module supports American and European date formats. Reports display
accurate date formats for various countries.
To change the local date format, complete the following steps:
1. Click the Windows Start button. The Windows Start Menu displays. 2. Double click the Control Panel item from the Start Menu. The system displays the control panel options window. 3. Locate and click the Date and Time Icon. The system displays the date and time properties window. 4. Select the Time Zone tab. The system displays the time zone options. 5. Click the ‘down arrow’ and select the appropriate time zone. The ‘Apply’ button is enabled. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 265
6. Click the Apply button to save your change. 7. Click the OK button to exit the date and time properties. Once the local date format is changed, generated reports display the configured date format. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 266
C H A P T E R 1 2 – Installing and Using the Web Module for PC Reservation Introduction PC Reservation’s Web Module operates with the IIS web servers. A web server must be installed before the web module can be installed. The Web Module also requires PERL to be installed because PC Reservation’s scripts are written in PERL. Installing an Internet Information Server (IIS) To install IIS, complete the following steps: 1. Click the Start button from the Windows taskbar. The Windows ‘Start Menu’ appears. 2. Locate and click the Control Panel icon. The ‘Control Panel’ opens and displays icons for all functions available in this window. 3. Click Add/Remove Programs. The ‘Add/Remove Programs’ window opens, displays icons, and menu options for all functions. 4. Select to Add/Remove Windows Components from the left side panel of ‘Add/Remove Programs’. The ‘Windows Components Wizard’ appears. 5. Click Internet Information Server (IIS) if it is not already selected. Note: Do not deselect other items. This will uninstall those utilities. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 267
The Windows Components Wizard appears. 6. Click Next>. The wizard begins to configure and install all selected components. 7. Close all windows when installation is complete. Installing Active PERL Later versions of PERL are available. The following instructions are a general guide from one version and is not intended to fulfill requirements for all PERL installers. Complete the following steps to install PERL: 1. Download Active PERL for the internet. 2. Click Save and choose a location on your computer to download the installation package. 3. Select to Run the installation package. A security warning appears. 4. Click Run again. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 268
The ActivePerl Setup screen displays. 5. Click Next> to begin the installation. The ‘End User License Agreement’ displays. 6. Choose I accept the terms in the License Agreement and click Next> to continue. The ‘Custom Setup’ screen displays. 7. Maintain the default selections and click Next> to continue. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 269
The ‘Choose Setup Options’ screen displays. 8. Maintain the default selections and click Next> to continue. The package is ready to install the software. 9. Click Install. The application begins to install all ActivePerl files. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 270
The ActivePerl installation concludes. 10. Deselect to Display the release notes if you choose not to view the documentation. Click Finish. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 271
Installing the Web Module To install PC Reservation’s Web Module, complete the following steps: 1. Go to EnvisionWare’s Support and Downloads page. 2. Scroll down to the PC Reservation section. 3. Click the Web Module installation package for the latest version. 4. Select Save to download to the local computer. 5. Choose Save the package to your desktop. 6. The installation package is downloaded to the desktop. 7. Click Run to initiate the installation. 8. A Security Warning appears. 9. Click Run again to verify that you would like to install the package. The PC Reservation Web Module Setup displays.
Note: A web server and PERL must be installed before the web module. If they are not, installation cannot be completed. 10. Click Next. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 272
The License Agreement page displays. 11. Check the I accept the terms in the License Agreement option. 12. Click Next. Web Module installation options appear and the installation package detects the location of PERL and the web server. 13. Maintain the default values and click Install. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 273
Web module components and script files are installed until complete. 14. Click Close to exit the PC Reservation Web Module Setup. 15. From the Windows taskbar, right‐click the Start button. 16. Select Explore. 17. Locate the Inetpub (C:\Inetpub) 18. Ensure that there is a …\Scripts\pcres subdirectory within the Inetpub folder. 19. Ensure that there is a …\images\pcres subdirectory within the wwwroot folder. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 274
Creating a Virtual Directory on the Web Server Complete the following to create a virtual directory on the web server that points to the required PHP scripts and images. 1. Go to the Windows Control Panel. 2. Click Administrative Tools. 3. Click Internet Information Services. 4. Browse through the Internet Information Services directory on the left. 5. Locate Default Web Site (
6. Right‐click on (
) in the list. ) and select New from the menu. 7. Click Virtual Directory. 8. A wizard appears. 9. Click Next> then specify an Alias name such as ‘pcresweb’. 10. Click Next>. 11. The wizard prompts to enter a full directory path. This path must point to the ‘Scripts/pcres’ directory. 12. Enter C:\inetpub\wwwroot\Scripts\pcres and click Next> to continue. 13. Select to allow Execute and Write Access and click Next> to continue. The system displays a warning. 14. Click Yes. 15. Click Finish to conclude the configuration. 16. Locate the newly created virtual directory pcresweb listed under Default Web Site. 17. Right‐click on the pcresweb virtual directory. 18. Click Properties from the menu. 19. Uncheck Write access and click Ok to save the change. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 275
Launching the PC Reservation Web Module Configuration Utility Complete the following to compose a URL and access the Web Module’s configuration tool. 1. Open an Internet Explorer browser window. 2. From the URL field enter http://localhost/ALIAS‐name /pcres/configure.pl. Note: If there is not an ALIAS, the link displays as http://IP of PC /Scripts / PCRes /configure.PL ‐or‐ reserve.PL Note: If you get “access denied” this means that we do not have write permissions on the ALIAS (virtual directory) or the Scripts/pcres. The Web Module’s configuration options displays. 3. Enter the default configuration password ‘envisionware’ in the space provided. 4. Click Accept to continue. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 276
Configuring the Web Module To configure PC Reservation’s Web Module, complete the following steps: 1. Configure the following settings: PASSWORD: Enter the administrative password specified on the location policy (the default is envisionware) LIBRARY NAME: Specify the site name annotated on the PC Reservation license. LINK TO HOME PAGE: Enter the link to the location’s home page. INSTRUCTIONS: Compose instructions that explains what the user must do. LABEL FOR ʹBRANCHʹ: Enter the name of the branch or location. CGI: This value should include the ALIAS name of the virtual directory created in previous steps. Enter the value in the following format: /pcresweb. IMAGES DIRECTORY: The default is http://IP Address‐of‐
localhost/images/pcres. MESSAGE TIMEOUT: Maintain the default value of 10. 2. Click Accept to save the configuration. 3. Click Maintain Location List. 4. Click Add a Location to add a Management Console. NAME: Provide the Branch or location name. IP: Provide the Management Console’s IP Address. PORT: Enter the default port value of 1969. Click Accept to save your configuration choices. 5. Click Go to ʹMake a Reservationʹ Page to conclude configuration. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 277
Launching the PC Reservation Web Module for Reservations Complete the following to compose a URL and access the Web Module’s reservation tool. 1. Open an Internet Explorer browser window. 2. From the URL field enter http://localhost/ALIAS‐name /pcres/configure.pl. The Web Module’s configuration options displays. Note: If there is not an ALIAS, the link displays as http://IP of PC /Scripts / PCRes /configure.PL ‐or‐ reserve.PL Note: If you get “access denied” this means that we do not have write permissions on the ALIAS (virtual directory) or the Scripts/pcres. Removing the Web Module Complete the following steps to remove the pcres web scripts. 1. Delete the pcres folder in the C:\Inetpub\wwwroot \images\pcres directory. 2. Delete the pcres folder in C:\Inetpub\Scripts\pcres on the web server’s host computer. 3. Delete the virtual directory created in IIS. For this example that virtual directory is pcresweb. Note: If we know the IP address of the server and port before hand we can set the system up with that info and transport the appropriate files to sight location. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 278
Modifying PC Reservations Web Module Password To modify PC Reservation’s password, complete the following steps: 1. Go to the IIS root directory, C:\Inetpub\Scripts\pcres. 2. Click the Scripts folder. 3. Click the pcres folder. 4. Locate the reserve‐conf.pl file. 5. Right‐click the file and open the file in a text editor like WordPad or NotePad. 6. Locate the password line within the file. 7. Highlight or delete the existing password and type the new password after the equal (=) sign. 8. Click File and Save to save your changes. 9. Click File and Exit to close the file. 10. Verify your password configuration by launching the Web Module Configuration Utility using that password. Note: The ILS does not need to be restarted. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 279
Using the Web Module When making a reservation the user will first see a page similar to the one shown below. They will use the drop‐down menu to select the branch location for which they would like to make the reservation and click Reserve a PC. The user will be prompted to enter their User ID and/or Pin, an area, and reservation time. Options will vary depending on the Management Console’s configuration. Note: You must select “Allow Web Reservations” on the PC area configuration window for each area that you wish to make available at the Web Module. This is done at the Management Console via the Configure menu and selecting PC Areas. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 280
If the reservation can be made successfully the on‐screen receipt will be shown as above. The user will be given the choice of accepting or canceling the reservation. If the user chooses Cancel this Reservation the following screen will be shown requiring them to confirm or keep the cancellation. If the reservation is cancelled the following dialog will be displayed. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 281
Managing Existing Reservations Beginning with Version 1.0.14, The PC Reservation Web Module provides the user with the ability to View and Cancel existing reservations. This functionality is accessed by clicking the Manage Existing Reservations button shown below. By clicking Manage Existing Reservations as seen in the dialog display above, an alternate dialog is displayed as shown below. Select the branch for which you have existing reservations and click the View or Cancel Reservations button. Enter the Library Card number and click the Submit button. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 282
Choosing to cancel the reservation will result in the following dialogs. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 283
C H A P T E R 1 3 – Installing and Using the Connection Manager Note: For Installation, Configuration, and Use of the Authentication and Accounting Module, see the Authentication and Accounting Module Technical Manual.
The PC Reservation Validating Authority can be set to use the EnvisionWare Connection Manager which will in turn use the Authentication and Accounting database. Some organizations such as libraries prefer or desire to utilize a database other than a library patron database. For these installations, the Authentication and Accounting Module can provide the validation source. The Connection Manager can also be used to link PC Reservation to a Follett patron database using Follett’s ODBC connectivity. Selecting Follett as the Validating Authority on the Management Console will provide this functionality. Because Validation is enabled automatically whenever Authentication and Accounting is purchased, the Connection Manager Module operates seamlessly to provide an authentication source for your system. A socket SIP connection is made to the Connection Manager which in turn connects to the AAM database via ODBC, or alternatively to Follett via ODBC. To use this system, first configure the Authentication and Accounting Module components according to the instructions provided in the LPT:One Manual or the Follett ODBC connectivity according to instructions provided by Follett. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 284
Installation First, you must make sure that the correct ODBC Driver has been installed to allow connection to the Authentication and Accounting Database or the Follett database. The Installer provides the ability to install an ODBC driver for AAM. You must obtain the Follett ODBC connection software and support directly from Follett. Configure the Connection Manager to use the same database that the Authentication and Accounting Module is configured to use when using AAM as your authority source. When you run the Connection Manager for the first time a configuration dialog is displayed to allow you to enter this information. Select the database type from the drop down list and the dialog will change to allow you to enter the database specific information. The configuration screens for Microsoft Access, MySQL, and Follett are shown in the following pages. Configuration Database Configuration (Microsoft Access) If you are using Microsoft Access as your Database Management System select “Access” in the drop‐down list of supported data sources. Next, either type in or use the browse button to select the directory where the database file (dbAuthentication.mdb) was created and press OK. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 285
Database Configuration (MySQL) If you are using MySQL as your Database Management System, select “MySQL” from the pull‐down list of supported data sources. In the Host Name or IP field, enter the IP address (or fully‐qualified domain name if the server’s name can be resolved through a HOSTS file or DNS query) of the server where the MySQL Database Engine is installed. In the Port field, enter the port number on which the MySQL Database Engine listens for connections (the default port number is 3306). Next, enter the User ID and Database Password for the user account in the database that you would like the Connection Manager to use when connecting to the database and press OK. Database Configuration (Follett) If you are using the Connection Manager to link PC Reservation to the Follett user database, select Follett in the data source drop down list. Enter the DSN or Data Source Name. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 286
Refer to Follett for instructions in installing their ODBC software and the information to place in these fields. Follett Options Click on “OPTIONS” to bring up the following dialog: To select your validation source, select either Use Barcode or Use User ID. The User Field1 in the Follett user database can be mapped as the password in PC Reservation. The user type in the Follett database can be mapped as a group name in PC Reservation which can be used to apply policies in the Rules Wizard. Database Configuration (inf) It is possible to use a text file as a validation authority in PC Reservation with the Connection Manager. This is rarely used because of file maintenance issues but the capability exists to authenticate against data in an inf‐format file. Resellers may often choose this method as an easy means of creating a demonstration database. Update User Status The Settings Menu provides access to the Update User Status preference. When you click on the choice, it will display a check when enabled. When enabled, the Connection Manager will automatically expire accounts in the AAM database based upon the criteria configured in the group record. The update occurs at 2:00AM or at the next restart of the Connection Manager. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 287
Using the Connection Manager Once you have completed your configuration by pressing OK the Connection Manager will start automatically and begin waiting for a Management Console to connect. The Main window of the Connection Manager is shown below. The status of the Connection Manager or the last message sent is displayed under the “Message Sent” label. The last message received from the Management Console is shown under “Message Received”. If multiple attempts by the Management Console fail to connect to the Connection Manager then select File/Restart to ensure it is ready for a connection. Select File/Exit to stop the Connection Manager. The Settings menu of the utility provides the options to enable Extended Logging and to reconfigure the Datasource. If your server name, IP address, port, or username or password changes for MySQL or Follett, you can use this menu selection to change your original configuration to new settings. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 288
Section 5 – Advanced Features C H A P T E R 1 4 – PC Reservation and LPT:One Integration Control When combining LPT:One with PC Reservation (often known as the EnvisionWare Suite), both products work seamlessly to enhance the user’s experience and simplify the use of both products by integrating common information. In addition, the use of both products offers features available only when both products are combined in the same installation. Integration of PC Reservation and LPT:One provides you with the following options: Allow Override Allows staff members to override the PC Reservation page limit restriction PC Reservation Description PC Reservation supports the ability to create a text description of a PC in addition to its NetBIOS name (Computer Name) when creating Equipment Records (See Chapter 7). When this setting is enabled through LPT:One the PC’s description appears in the Release Station queue under Station ID instead of the NetBIOS name(Computer Name). PC Reservation ID The User ID value entered when the user signs into a session at the PC Reservation Client is used automatically by the LPT:One Print Client when submitting a print job. This can eliminate multiple dialogs for print job submission. PC Reservation Language Allows the LPT:One Print Client to use the language set by PC Reservation during a user’s session. After the session, the language will return to the system default. PC Reservation Page Limit Provides the option to limit pages printed during a user’s PC Reservation session. For more detailed instructions explaining how to enable these settings, please refer to the LPT:One Technical Manual. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 289
C H A P T E R 1 5 – EnvisionWare ETAPI Protocol and 3rd Party Systems The EnvisionWare Terminal Application Programming Interface is a protocol that enables 3rd party vendors to manage reservations by sending commands and receiving information from one or more Management Consoles. The API is easy to implement and the complexity of reservation management is contained in the Management Console, thus a simple command can create a complex reservation request. The ETAPI protocol is an open architecture and is available to any 3rd party developer that wishes to interface with a unique device to PC Reservation. Vendors are using the ETAPI to provide IVR (Interactive Voice Response) voice‐
enable touch‐tone reservation systems and to display PC Reservation information on electronic display systems. Currently, the IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system from Talkingtech.com allows touch‐tone reservations and the Interface Potomic system provides visual displays about PC Reservation status. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 290
C H A P T E R 1 6 – Supporting Multiple Languages and Customized Text with Dynamic Language Technology™ What is Dynamic Language Technology? Dynamic Language Technology™ is EnvisionWare’s innovative technology that provides a means for users to choose one of several supported languages for their time on the PC. PC Reservation takes full advantage of Dynamic Language Technology by providing administrator‐definable customized text, local overrides for virtually all of the text used in the system, and support for new languages not distributed as part of the system. How is Dynamic Language Technology used in PC Reservation? Any time a user sees the Select Language dialog window, he or she may change the language currently used in PC Reservation. This dialog is only displayed when Allow users to change the language is checked on the Appearance Tab on the Management Console. The newly selected language will remain in use until the user completes the current action. This might be making a reservation or starting a session. When the action is complete (the reservation has been made or the session is over), the language setting returns to the default. When a reservation is made, the desired language is stored along with the other information relating to the reservation. When the user signs in, he or she may choose the language used on the Logon screen. However, the language used in the session once the PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 291
session starts is determined by the language stored in the reservation record. Note: PC Reservation does not force the Windows OS or other applications to operate in another language. The Dynamic Language Technology affects only windows, dialogs, and screens used in PC Reservation. If you link PC Reservation using LPT:One Integration, the language for both products is managed. Language Preferences with Launch Command Launch Command Configuration Options When used to launch the Reservation Station, the Launch Command menu may be used to configure certain startup and operation functionality using command line parameters. By default, the Launch Command menu already contains several of these parameters however others may be added as necessary. The following image shows the default Reservation Station entry found in the Launch Command menu and is followed by a chart containing the details of each control parameter that may be used. Launch Command’s default Reservation Station menu entry PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 292
Reservation Station Configuration Parameters for Launch Command Menu Configuration Switch Default ‐makeresv Purpose Causes the Reservation Station to launch in “non‐
dedicated mode” and the screen saver to not appear. Only login text & reservation selection text appears. ‐parent=%ParentWindow% Causes the Reservation Station to be launched on top of the Launch Command menu, which would otherwise hide the Reservation Station from users. It is not recommended that this command line be removed. ‐locale: Allows you to configure the Reservation Station to run in English, Spanish, or French. Possible Values: “en_us”, “es_us”, “fr” ‐keypad:osk Launches an on‐screen keyboard for use with the Reservation Station. ‐port: Allows the Reservation Station to manually connect (vs. connection via broadcast) to the Management Console using the specified UDP port. Example: “‐port: 1969” ‐debug Enables the Reservation Station to run in debug mode logging all application activity, which is useful when troubleshooting. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 293
Language Preference Configuration The Reservation Station may be configured to run in English, Spanish, or French mode so that users have a choice in which language to view the Reservation Station interface text when reserving a PC. Configuration of the language preference is done by adding a command line switch to the Reservation Station shortcut or, if using Launch Command, to the Reservation Station link found in the Launch Command menu script. The following steps explain how to configure the Reservation Station for use with language preferences. Providing One Language Preference Configuring Language Preferences Using Launch Command: Navigate to the Launch Command directory which, by default, is located in C:\Program Files\EnvisionWare\Launch\Menus, and open the menu using a text editor such as WordPad. Locate the HTML code used to launch the Reservation Station (shown below): Add a locale command line switch to the end of the Reservation Station launch path found in the Launch Command menu by typing one of the following: “ –locale: EN_US” to launch the Reservation Station in English mode “ –locale: ES_US” to launch the Reservation Station in Spanish mode “ –locale: FR” to launch the Reservation Station in French Canadian mode PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 294
An example of a Reservation Station launch path that has been configured to launch in Spanish mode: 
Reservation\pcres_rs.exe -makeresv -parent=%ParentWindow% locale:ES_US">
As shown in the following example, edit the text shown on the Launch Command menu representing the Reservation Station so that the user is able to identify the language preference. In this example we have changed the default text “Reserve a Computer” to “Reservar una Computadora” for Spanish speaking users. 
Reservation\pcres_rs.exe -makeresv -parent=%ParentWindow%"
style="text-decoration:none;color:black"> Reservar una
computadora </a></font></h3>
When editing is complete, save the menu script. Setting the language preference using the application shortcut: If one does not exist, create a user accessible shortcut to the Reservation Station Right‐click the shortcut and select Properties Add a locale command line to the end of the Target path for the shortcut by typing one of the following and click OK. “ –locale: EN_US” to launch the Reservation Station in English mode “ –locale: ES_US” to launch the Reservation Station in Spanish mode “ –locale: FR” to launch the Reservation Station in French Canadian mode PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 295
Providing More Than One Language Preference Multiple Language Preferences Using Launch Command: Depending on how many language choices you wish to provide to users, the Launch Command menu must contain a separate set of HTML code representing each language being used. For example, if you wish to provide users with the choice to open the Reservation Station in English, Spanish, or French you must ensure that the menu script contains three sets of HTML code representing each of the three language preferences available for the Reservation Station. The default menu packaged with Launch Command contains one set of HTML code for launching a Self‐Service Reservation Station. In our example, we need two more sets of Reservation Station HTML code to represent each language preference so we must do the following: Locate the HTML code used to launch the Reservation Station and copy the code. Paste the code into the menu script twice so that there are now three sets of HTML code for the Reservation Station. Add a locale command line switch to the end of each of the Reservation Station launch paths found in the Launch Command menu Edit the text shown on the Launch Command menu representing the Reservation Station so that the user is able to identify the language preference. When editing is complete, save the menu script. Multiple Language Preferences Using the Application Shortcut: If you wish to provide more than one language preference using the Reservation Station shortcut you must create more than one shortcut to represent each language being used. For example, if you wish to provide users with the choice to open the Reservation Station in English, Spanish, or French you must do the following: Create three user accessible shortcuts to the Reservation Station Right‐click a shortcut and select Properties Add a locale command line to the end of the Target path and click OK. Follow this process for each shortcut so that users may identify and launch the shortcut that opens in his or her desired language. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 296
Maintaining Customized Text Since much of the text used throughout the PC Reservation system is customizable, PC Reservation includes a special Translation Editor to define and maintain this customized text in each of the supported languages. Note: PC Reservation does not perform automatic language translations. For text to properly display in each of the supported languages, customized text must be entered and maintained for each language.) Several of the PC Reservation preferences tabs contain a button ( Translation Editor. ) to open the The Translation Editor starts with the text for the default language (as defined on the Appearance tab) in the upper edit region and a translation in one of the other supported languages in the lower edit region. Selecting a new language from the drop down list above the translation area displays the translation for the newly selected language. The text for the default language and the various translations may be edited with this tool. The Maximum Length label on the right side of the window tells how many characters are allowed for the text field being edited. Pressing the OK button saves the current text in all supported languages (even those not presently displayed in the translation window). Pressing the Cancel button does not save any changes made since the Translation Editor was been opened. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 297
Providing Overrides for Specific Text With Dynamic Language Technology, PC Reservation allows system administrators to change the wording of virtually any text used in the program. Text that is not considered customizable in the system may be changed by creating a file in the PC RESERVATION directory called CUSTMSGS.INF. This is a simple text file that can be created and edited with Notepad or any other text editor or word processor capable of saving plain text files. (The following procedure assumes that PC Reservation was installed using the default settings and that Notepad will be used to create and edit the CUSTMSGS.INF file.) To override a specific word or phrase used in PC Reservation: 1. Navigate to the PC RESERVATION directory on the Management Console. Select the PC RESERVATION folder. 1. Once the PC RESERVATION directory opens right‐click in any available white space. Select New, and then choose Text Document. 2. Rename the newly created file CUSTMSGS.INF. Verify that you want to change the name and the extension. 3. Double‐click CUSTMSGS.INF to open it in Notepad. 4. Locate PCRMSGS.INF (C:\Program Files\EnvisionWare\PC Reservation\Management Console) on the Management Console and double‐click the file. It should open in another copy of Notepad. 5. In PCRMSGS.INF, you will see section headings for the various supported languages (i.e., [ENGLISH]). For each language for which you intend to provide override text, copy the section heading from PCRMSGS.INF and paste into CUSTMSGS.INF. 6. Search PCRMSGS.INF for the exact text you wish to change. Copy the entire line from PCRMSGS.INF and paste it into the appropriate language section in CUSTMSGS.INF. For example, to change “OK” to “Accept”, search PCRMSGS.INF for “OK”. You should find something like IDS_OK = OK. 7. In CUSTMSGS.INF, change the text following the “=” to your override text. In the preceding example, you would change the line to read IDS_OK = Accept. 8. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for any additional languages for which the new text should be used. 9. Save the CUSTMSGS.INF file. 10. Close PCRMSGS.INF without saving any changes. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 298
Once you have built the CUSTMSGS.INF file, you should distribute it to the PC RESERVATION directory on each PC Reservation component (Clients, Reservation Stations, etc.) that should use the override text. You may add as many entries to CUSTMSGS.INF as you would like. Simply follow steps 4 through 11 in the procedure above to add new overrides. Supporting Portuguese The following section details the steps necessary for configuring PC Reservation 3X for use with Portuguese. 1. Navigate to the PC RESERVATION directory on the Management Console and open pcrmsgs.inf in Notepad. The system displays the default pcrmsgs.inf file. 2. Replace the current Language_1, Language_2, or Language_3 setting listed under “[Common]” with the Portuguese language setting by copying and pasting the word “Português” from the Language 4 setting. In this example, French has been replaced with Portuguese. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 299
3. Replace the current Language_1, Language_2, or Language_3 setting listed under “[Flags]” with the Portuguese language setting by copying and pasting “IMAGES\fr.bmp” from the Language 4 setting. This causes the Portuguese flag image to display on PC Reservation screens. In this example, the French flag has been replaced with the Portuguese flag because in the previous step the French language (Language 3) was replaced with the Portuguese language. 4. Save and close pcrmsgs.inf. Making changes to the Supported Languages settings If you wish to support more or fewer languages than are distributed with PC Reservation, you will again create and maintain a CUSTMSGS.INF file in the PC RESERVATION directory. You may also change the flag icon associated with each language. The following procedure assumes that PC Reservation was installed using the default settings and that Notepad will be used to create and edit the CUSTMSGS.INF file. To change the number of supported languages: 1. Navigate to the PC RESERVATION directory on the Management Console. Select and open the PC RESERVATION folder. 2. Locate CUSTMSGS.INF and double‐click it to open it in Notepad and minimize the window. 3. Locate PCRMSGS.INF (C:\Program Files\EnvisionWare\PC Reservation\Management Console) and double‐click it. It should open in another copy of Notepad. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 300
4. In PCRMSGS.INF, you will see a section heading named [COMMON]. Copy the entire section from PCRMSGS.INF and paste it at the start of CUSTMSGS.INF. 5. In CUSTMSGS.INF, change the Number_of_Languages value to the number of languages you intend to support. Then change the name for each of the languages you wish to support. For example, if you wish to remove support for French, your [COMMON] section would be: [COMMON] Number_of_Languages = 2 Language_1 = English Language_2 = Español Note: The language names must exactly match section headings in both CUSTMSGS.INF and PCRMSGS.INF. If they do not, PC Reservation will not be able to load the correct text to display. 6. Save the CUSTMSGS.INF file. 7. Close PCRMSGS.INF without saving any changes. To change the icon for a language: 1. Navigate to the PC RESERVATION directory on the Management Console. Select and open the PC RESERVATION folder. 2. Locate CUSTMSGS.INF and double‐click it to open it in Notepad and minimize the window. 3. Locate PCRMSGS.INF (C:\Program Files\EnvisionWare\PC Reservation) and double‐click it. It should open in another copy of Notepad. 4. In PCRMSGS.INF, you will see a section heading named [FLAGS]. Copy the entry or entries for which you wish to provide an alternate icon from PCRMSGS.INF and paste it into the [FLAGS] section in CUSTMSGS.INF. (If the [FLAGS] section does not exist, copy the section heading from PCRMSGS.INF and paste it into CUSTMSGS.INF.) 5. In CUSTMSGS.INF, change the filename for the flag to the BMP file that is the flag you wish to use. For example, if you wish to change the flag for Spanish to the Mexico flag: [FLAGS] Language_2 = IMAGES\MEXICO.BMP PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 301
Note: PC Reservation supports only Windows bitmap files for flag images. If your flag is a GIF, JPG, or other image file format, you must first convert it to a Windows bitmap using image editing software. The new BMP file must be present in the IMAGES subdirectory on each PC Reservation component for which the flag will be displayed. 6. Save the CUSTMSGS.INF file. 7. Close PCRMSGS.INF without saving any changes. Tip: If you want blank buttons instead of flag icons, change the entry to LANGUAGE_x = NONE. Alternatively, you may wish to create an icon that does not represent a flag. A stylish dot or 2‐letter abbreviation would work well in place of a flag. To add support for a language that is not distributed with PC Reservation: 1. Navigate to the PC RESERVATION directory on the Management Console. Select and open the PC RESERVATION folder. 2. Locate CUSTMSGS.INF and double‐click it to open it in Notepad and minimize the window. 3. Locate PCRMSGS.INF (C:\Program Files\EnvisionWare\PC Reservation\ Management Console) and double‐click it. It should open in another copy of Notepad. 4. Follow the procedure above for changing the number of supported languages. Change the entry for Number_of_Languages to accommodate a new language. Add an entry for LANGUAGE_x = Language Name. Replace x with the number of the new language and replace Language Name with the label you wish to use for the new language. 5. Copy one entire language section from PCRMSGS.INF to paste it into CUSTMSGS.INF. Change the section heading to the name given in the [COMMON] section for the new language. 6. Provide a translation in the new language for each of the entries in the section for the new language. 7. Save the CUSTMSGS.INF file. 8. Close PCRMSGS.INF without saving any changes
C H A P T E R 1 7 – PC Reservation and Terminal Services The Reservation Station is enhanced to support Windows Terminal Services/Citrix environment. To be compatible with this environment, preferences exist outside the Registry so that a unique set of preferences can exist per Reservation Station. For upgrades, the application reads the Registry and automatically creates a new Rsconfig ewp file. This file is managed by the Reservation Station configuration utility. Once the ewp file is created, the application retrieves its settings from this file instead of the Registry. New installations write all configuration settings to the rsconfig.ewp instead of the registry. The Client Module can be installed on Terminal Services and Terminal Services sessions. The Management console must run on the Terminal Services console (or on another, non‐Terminal Services machine). The Client auto‐detects the Terminal Services environment and adapt their operations accordingly. The primary differences are: All files written by the Client go to a PC Reservation subdirectory based on the name of the Terminal Services session. This allows a single PC Reservation installation to have multiple instances running simultaneously without conflict or interference. The system name for the Client (the one with which the Equipment Record is associated) is the Terminal Services session name rather than the NetBIOS name. The IP address of the Client is the physical IP address of the hardware on which the Terminal Services session is running. PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 303
Appendix A Validating Authorities Chart Validating
Authority
Manufacturer
Generic
SIP
Sirsi
Classic and
Unicorn
(SIP1)
Sirsi Classic
Enhanced
(SIP2)
Sirsi Unicorn
Enhanced
(SIP2)
TLC-LS
Enhanced
(SIP2)
TLC-Carl
Enhanced
(SIP2)
--
SirsiDynix
SirsiDynix
SirsiDynix
TLC
Library.Solution
TLC
CARL.Solution
DynixEnhanced
(SIP2)
SirsiDynix
DynixHorizon / SirsiDynix Horizon
Enhanced
(SIP2)
SirsiDynix
User Fields
User ID
Pin
Classic
user type
Unicorn
patron
profile
Group
Patron Access
Code
User Category
(1-5)
Borrower Type
Profile Class
Expire Date
OCLC
(Amlib)
Polaris
SIP
Validating
Authority
Manufacturer
Generic
SIP
Sirsi
Classic and
Unicorn
(SIP1)
Sirsi Classic
Enhanced
(SIP2)
Sirsi Unicorn
Enhanced
(SIP2)
TLC-LS
Enhanced
(SIP2)
TLC-Carl
Enhanced
(SIP2)
--
SirsiDynix
SirsiDynix
SirsiDynix
TLC
Library.Solution
TLC
CARL.Solution
Classic
birth date
Unicorn
birth year
Only with
SIP 2
Only with
SIP 2
DynixEnhanced
(SIP2)
SirsiDynix
Enhanced
(SIP2)
OCLC
(Amlib)
Polaris
SIP
SirsiDynix
User Fields
Age
(Birth Date)
Screen
Message
Overdue Items
Count
Charged Items
Count
Fee Amount
Fee Owed
Charges
Denied
Renewals
Denied
Recalls Denied
Holds Denied
Card Lost
(Too) many
items Charged
Too many
Validating
Authority
Manufacturer
Generic
SIP
Sirsi
Classic and
Unicorn
(SIP1)
Sirsi Classic
Enhanced
(SIP2)
Sirsi Unicorn
Enhanced
(SIP2)
TLC-LS
Enhanced
(SIP2)
TLC-Carl
Enhanced
(SIP2)
--
SirsiDynix
SirsiDynix
SirsiDynix
TLC
Library.Solution
TLC
CARL.Solution
DynixEnhanced
(SIP2)
SirsiDynix
Enhanced
(SIP2)
OCLC
(Amlib)
Polaris
SIP
SirsiDynix
User Fields
items Overdue
Too many
Renewals
Too many
claims of items
Returned
Too many
items lost
Excessive
Fines
Excessive Fees
Recall
Overdue
Too Many
items Billed
Computer Use
Patron Code:
(PA)
Expired Patron
Flag: Y or N:
(BW)
Patron
Organization
or home
Validating
Authority
Manufacturer
Generic
SIP
Sirsi
Classic and
Unicorn
(SIP1)
Sirsi Classic
Enhanced
(SIP2)
Sirsi Unicorn
Enhanced
(SIP2)
TLC-LS
Enhanced
(SIP2)
TLC-Carl
Enhanced
(SIP2)
--
SirsiDynix
SirsiDynix
SirsiDynix
TLC
Library.Solution
TLC
CARL.Solution
DynixEnhanced
(SIP2)
SirsiDynix
Enhanced
(SIP2)
OCLC
(Amlib)
Polaris
SIP
SirsiDynix
User Fields
branch: (PE)
Patron
Statistical
Class: (PS)
Patron
Expiration
Date: (PX)
Patron Zip
Code: (PZ)
Library
Defined Field
(U4)
Library
Defined Field:
(U5)
Validating
Authority
Geac Enhanced Advance and
Plus
AAM
(EnvisionWare
Connection
Manager)
GISPolaris/GISGalaxy
Innovative
User API
Follett
LDAP
VTLS
Evergreen
None
AGent Verso
Manufacturer
Geac Library Solutions
EnvisionWare
Polaris
Library
Systems
Innovative
Interfaces
Follet
Software
Company
--
VTLS
GPLS
--
AutoGraphics
User Fields
User ID
Pin
Used With: PCODE1 Advance
user
Group
PCODE2 type
PCODE3 Plus
PCODE4 patron category
Patron
Access Code
User
Category
(1-5)
Borrower
Type
PTYPE Profile Class
Expire Date
Age
Validating
Authority
Plus
AAM
(EnvisionWare
Connection
Manager)
Innovative
User API
Follett
LDAP
VTLS
Evergreen
None
AGent Verso
Manufacturer
EnvisionWare
Polaris
Library
Systems
Innovative
Interfaces
Follet
Software
Company
--
VTLS
GPLS
--
AutoGraphics
User Fields
(Birth date)
Screen
Message
Overdue
Items Count
Charged
Items Count
Fee Amount
Fee Owed
Only with SIP 2
Charges
Denied
Renewals
Denied
Recalls
Denied
Holds
Denied
Card Lost
Too many
items
Charged
Too many
items
Validating
Authority
Plus
AAM
(EnvisionWare
Connection
Manager)
Innovative
User API
Follett
LDAP
VTLS
Evergreen
None
AGent Verso
Manufacturer
EnvisionWare
Polaris
Library
Systems
Innovative
Interfaces
Follet
Software
Company
--
VTLS
GPLS
--
AutoGraphics
User Fields
Overdue
Too many
Renewals
Too many
claims of
items
Returned
Too many
items lost
Excessive
Fines
Excessive
Fees
Recall
Overdue
Too Many
items Billed
Computer
Use
Note: Please check with your ILS Vendor to verify which fields are available for use with your validation method.
Index @Client, 33, 36, 52, 105, 121, 124, 136, 164, 165, 166, 203, 204, 205 @Client Reservations, 52, 105, 203, 205 Access, 3, 8, 261, 285 API, 17, 22, 137, 140, 290, 308 Appearance, 120, 291, 297 Architecture, 16, 18 Area, 22, 42, 48, 50, 68, 75, 76, 106, 226, 229, 234, 262, 263 AREAS, 53, 202 Authentication, 23, 24, 40, 284, 285 Authentication and Accounting Module, 23 Auto‐update, 126 cancel, 21, 34, 74, 204, 245 Cancel, 118, 204, 209, 210, 238, 243, 245, 248, 249, 250, 297 CARL, 139, 140, 147, 304 Central History, 41, 155, 156, 186, 187, 188, 241 Check Central History for Concurrent Reservations, 156 children, 36, 49 Client, 8, 16, 20, 21, 23, 40, 41, 42, 47, 48, 51, 52, 55, 65, 66, 67, 86, 87, 88, 89, 91, 93, 94, 95, 100, 101, 105, 107, 113, 115, 116, 117, 118, 123, 124, 126, 128, 129, 133, 165, 166, 198, 203, 204, 205, 206, 209, 234, 236, 243, 248, 249, 254 Client Logging, 16 Client Module, 21, 47, 51, 55, 65, 66, 67, 86, 87, 88, 89, 93, 94, 236 Client Programs, 117 Client Settings, 113 color, 42, 49, 65, 73, 78, 80, 110, 112, 115, 247 Color Scheme, 80, 112, 115 compaction, 237 Concurrent Reservations, 156, 174 Connection Manager, 284, 285, 286, 288 csv, 261 CUSTMSGS.INF, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302 Customized Text, 297 database, 8, 21, 31, 36, 40, 122, 142, 202, 211, 241, 260, 284, 285, 286 Database, 18, 125, 260 default password, 87, 89 desktop, 3, 8, 19, 63, 64, 114 Distributed Processing Architecture, 3, 16 Dynamic, 16, 18, 134, 234, 291, 292, 298 Dynamic Filtering Control, 134 Dynamic Language, 16, 18 Dynamic Language Technology, 291, 292, 298 Dynamic Windows Profile, 58 Dynamic Windows Profile Manager, 218 Dynix, 140, 147, 304 Equipment Records, 66, 67 ETAPI, 290 Export, 263, 264 Express, 52, 165, 166, 170, 205, 244 Extra Time, 51, 93, 170, 205 file server, 23, 24 Filtering, 134, 136, 234 Follett, 22, 140, 284, 285, 286, 287, 308 Future, 96, 97, 201 Geac, 139, 308 GIS, 140, 304, 308 Grace Period, 93 Graphical, 238 Guest, 37 Guest Management Tab, 171, 181, 255 Horizon, 139, 140 HTML, 20, 98, 118, 261, 263, 264 Initialization, 64 Innovative, 140, 308 IVR, 17, 290 language, 18, 124, 291, 292, 297, 298, 300, 301, 302 Language, 124, 291, 292, 298, 301, 302 last name, 159, 207 Launch Command, 2, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296 LDAP, 137, 138, 140, 142, 148, 149, 150, 151 Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, 148 Location Code, 142 lock, 52, 248 log, 37, 41, 94, 95, 143, 183, 184 log files, 183, 184 Log Files, 183 Login, 142 Logo, 107, 115 LPT, 2, 22 Management Console, 3, 8, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 47, 48, 50, 51, 55, 65, 66, 67, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 80, 85, 86, 87, 89, 93, 96, 105, 107, 109, 111, 115, 116, 121, 124, 126, 129, 133, 136, 138, 143, 165, 198, 203, 204, 205, 234, 236, 261, 288, 290 Minutes, 12, 13, 14, 15, 48, 92, 95, 97, 100, 104, 153, 154, 173 Minutes per User per Day, 154 PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 311
MySQL, 285, 286 NetBIOS, 67, 109 Network, 21, 128 new, 3, 35, 40, 41, 75, 118, 124, 264, 291, 297, 298, 299, 302 New, 41, 235, 298 Normal, 244 Novell, 2 ODBC, 22, 140, 284, 285, 287 password, 64, 74, 86, 87, 89, 133, 142, 146, 248, 254 PC Areas, 48, 49, 68, 75, 76 PC Description, 109 PC Schedule, 102 PIN, 35, 41, 94, 115, 122, 123, 203, 204, 206, 233, 242 Planning, 31, 37 port, 129, 135, 286 Portuguese, 299, 300 protocol, 23, 24, 147, 290 proxy, 135 reboot, 35, 94, 236, 237, 238 receipt, 21, 42, 77, 78, 79, 108, 109, 110, 205, 210, 242, 244 Receipt, 77, 78, 108, 109 Receipt Printing, 77 Recurring, 235 Remote Reservation Stations, 68 Reporting Module, 22, 40, 260, 261, 262, 263 Requirements, 23, 24 Reservations, 52, 93, 94, 96, 97, 105, 136, 164, 165, 166, 198, 203, 205 Restrictions, 113 Run key, 63 Scheduled Maintenance, 183 script, 146, 148 search attribute, 149 Security, 130 session, 8, 16, 35, 51, 52, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97, 99, 100, 103, 115, 117, 118, 121, 123, 124, 133, 165, 166, 203, 204, 205, 206, 209, 210, 233, 234, 237, 238, 241, 242, 243, 244, 247, 248, 249, 250, 253, 254, 291 Session, 3, 91, 92, 97, 123, 165, 166, 170, 205, 206, 209 Sessions, 52, 92, 94, 165, 166, 170, 205 Short, 97, 165, 205, 244 SIP, 143, 146, 204 SIPTRACE.LOG, 143 Sirsi, 139, 140, 147, 304 Speech, 100 Split Messages, 143 SSL, 149 Stand‐Alone, 133 Status, 37, 205, 238, 243, 247, 251, 253 Super User, 123, 133, 254 System, 48, 125, 292 Taskbar, 63, 64 TCP/IP, 23, 24, 129, 142 telnet, 139, 140, 141, 142 Terminal, 16, 17, 22, 146 Time Vending Tab, 192 TLC, 140, 304 touch‐tone, 290 Track User Name, 160, 242, 247 Trade, 166 Translation, 297 UDP, 129 upgrade, 40 Use Policy, 107, 201 User Validation, 152 Validating Authority, 121, 137, 139, 143, 146, 211, 213, 284 Verso, 139, 213, 214, 308 warning, 90, 99, 100, 209, 253, 254 warnings, 16, 19, 209 Warnings, 99 Web Module, 22, 41, 53, 267 web server, 22 Where Made, 244 Windows Profile, 58, 63, 216, 218, 220, 225 Wizard, 211, 215, 216 X.500, 148 PC Reservation - PC Access and Session Control - Version 3.5 312

PC Reservation® Technical Manual

Transcription

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