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{{Short description|Operating system}}
{{Infobox OS
{{Infobox OS
| name = Webconverger
| name = Webconverger
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| screenshot = [[Image:Webconverger14.png|300px]]
| screenshot = [[Image:Webconverger14.png|300px]]
| caption = Webconverger default
| caption = Webconverger default
| family = [[Unix-like]]
| family = [[Linux]] ([[Unix-like]])
| source model = Mainly [[Open source]] and [[closed source]]
| source model = Mainly [[Open-source software|Open source]] and [[closed source]]
| developer = Webconverger Ltd
| developer = Webconverger Ltd
| released = 2007
| released = 2007
| latest release version = 35.0<!-- If you update this, remember to also update [[Comparison of Linux distributions]]-->
| latest release version = {{wikidata|property|reference|P348}}
| latest release date = {{release date and age|2016|05|19}}<ref>{{cite web
| latest release date = {{start date and age|{{wikidata|qualifier|P348|P577}}}}
|url = http://webconverger.org/blog/2016/Webconverger_35_release/
|title = Webconverger 35 Release
|date = 2016-05-19
|work =
|publisher = Webconverger
|accessdate = 2017-09-03
}}</ref>
| latest preview version =
| latest preview version =
| latest preview date = {{release date and age|||}}
| latest preview date = {{release date and age|||}}
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| kernel type = [[Monolithic kernel|Monolithic]] ([[Linux kernel|Linux]])
| kernel type = [[Monolithic kernel|Monolithic]] ([[Linux kernel|Linux]])
| ui = Browser
| ui = Browser
| working state = Current
| working state = Discontinued
| website = {{url|https://webconverger.com/}}
| website = {{url|https://webconverger.com/}}
| supported platforms = [[x86]]
| supported platforms = [[x86]]
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}}
}}


'''Webconverger''' is a [[Linux]]-based [[operating system]] designed solely for accessing [[Web applications]] privately and securely. Based on the [[Debian]] distro, it is able to boot [[Live CD|live]] from removable media like [[CD-ROM]] or [[USB flash drive]] but can also be installed to a local hard drive. Webconverger is pre-compiled to run on any [[x86]] hardware. It does not have high system requirements and will also run on older machines.<ref>Nathan Willis (2012) [https://lwn.net/Articles/490871/ Webconverger 12], Linux Weekly News, Edition for April 12, 2012</ref>
'''Webconverger''' is a discontinued<ref>{{Cite web |title=Webconverger End of life 2023 |url=https://www.webconverger.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929183458/https://www.webconverger.com/ |archive-date=2023-09-29 |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Webconverger}}</ref> [[Linux]]-based [[operating system]] designed solely for accessing [[Web applications]] privately and securely. Based on the [[Debian]] distro, it is able to boot [[Live CD|live]] from removable media like [[CD-ROM]] or [[USB flash drive]] but can also be installed to a local hard drive. Webconverger is pre-compiled to run on any [[x86]] hardware. It does not have high system requirements and will also run on older machines.<ref>Nathan Willis (2012) [https://lwn.net/Articles/490871/ Webconverger 12], Linux Weekly News, Edition for April 12, 2012</ref>


Webconverger is typically used in [[Interactive kiosk|Web kiosk]] and [[digital signage]] deployments. It runs the [[Firefox]] web browser with a customised window manager [[dwm]] and a Firefox add-on also named Webconverger that locks the browser to a simple kiosk operation mode. The browser is locked down with most menus, toolbars, key commands and context menus disabled. Webconverger contains [[Adobe Flash]] support and [[PDF]] viewing by default. Both wired and wireless networks are supported via [[DHCP]].
Webconverger is typically used in [[Interactive kiosk|Web kiosk]] and [[digital signage]] deployments. It runs the [[Firefox]] web browser with a customised window manager [[dwm]] and a Firefox add-on also named Webconverger that locks the browser to a simple kiosk operation mode. The browser is locked down with most menus, toolbars, key commands and context menus disabled. Webconverger contains [[Adobe Flash]] support and [[PDF]] viewing by default. Both wired and wireless networks are supported via [[DHCP]].


Webconverger does binary package updates through [[Git (software)|git]] hosted on [[GitHub]].<ref>http://webconverger.org/upgrade/</ref> This is unique to Webconverger as most other distributions use separate package management utilities.
Webconverger does binary package updates through [[Git (software)|git]] hosted on [[GitHub]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://webconverger.org/upgrade/|title = Git powered operating system upgrades}}</ref> This is unique to Webconverger as most other distributions use separate package management utilities.
Although being developed in Singapore, it is mainly used commercially in Europe.<ref>Shiwen Yap (2104) [http://e27.co/a-backpacking-trip-around-sea-sparked-this-business-idea-20140602/ A backpacking trip around SEA sparked this business idea], e27.c0</ref>
Although being developed in Singapore, it is mainly used commercially in Europe.<ref>Shiwen Yap (2104) [http://e27.co/a-backpacking-trip-around-sea-sparked-this-business-idea-20140602/ A backpacking trip around SEA sparked this business idea], e27.c0</ref>

== Reception ==
== Reception ==
LWN.net reviewed Webconverger 12 in April 2012 with following words:<ref>[https://lwn.net/Articles/491648/ Webconverger 12 &#91;LWN.net&#93;]</ref>
LWN.net reviewed Webconverger 12 in April 2012 with following words:<ref name="lwn">[https://lwn.net/Articles/491648/ Webconverger 12 &#91;LWN.net&#93;]</ref>
{{quote|By "kiosk" usage, the project means something rather specific. It is designed to support intermittent, anonymous users in an environment where system administrators are hard to come by. The examples listed on the project's commercial support page include unrestricted environments like libraries and public gathering spots, plus businesses with more specific needs (like retail banks or doctors' offices). In all cases, it is important that the user's private information be wiped as soon as the session ends, and that the kiosk cannot be altered to change browser or OS settings. The expectation is that with any sort of problem, from a power loss to a browser crash, the system will reboot quickly into a known good state.}}
{{quote|By "kiosk" usage, the project means something rather specific. It is designed to support intermittent, anonymous users in an environment where system administrators are hard to come by. The examples listed on the project's commercial support page include unrestricted environments like libraries and public gathering spots, plus businesses with more specific needs (like retail banks or doctors' offices). In all cases, it is important that the user's private information be wiped as soon as the session ends, and that the kiosk cannot be altered to change browser or OS settings. The expectation is that with any sort of problem, from a power loss to a browser crash, the system will reboot quickly into a known good state.}}
Softpedia Linux also have a review of Webconverger 35.1:<ref>[http://linux.softpedia.com/get/System/Operating-Systems/Linux-Distributions/Webconverger-26151.shtml Download Webconverger 35.1], '''Softpedia Linux'''</ref>
{{quote|It is ideal for public places where the need for guest computers or thin clients is a must, such as libraries, Internet Cafes, tourist information centres, and even banks. It provides users with only a web browser, locked down by default.}}
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Kiosk software]]
* [[Kiosk software]]
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[[Category:Debian-based distributions]]
[[Category:Debian-based distributions]]
⚫
[[Category:Web applications]]
[[Category:World Wide Web]]
[[Category:Information appliances]]
[[Category:Information appliances]]
[[Category:Diskless workstations]]
[[Category:Diskless workstations]]
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[[Category:Content-control software]]
[[Category:Content-control software]]
[[Category:Operating system distributions bootable from read-only media]]
[[Category:Operating system distributions bootable from read-only media]]
⚫
[[Category:Linux distributions]]



{{Linux-distro-stub}}
{{Linux-distro-stub}}
{{Web-stub}}

Latest revision as of 17:05, 11 December 2023

Webconverger
Webconverger default
DeveloperWebconverger Ltd
OS familyLinux (Unix-like)
Working stateDiscontinued
Source modelMainly Open source and closed source
Initial release2007
Latest release35.0[1] / 19 May 2016; 8 years ago (19 May 2016)
Available inMultilingual
Package managergit
Platformsx86
Kernel typeMonolithic (Linux)
Default
user interface		Browser
LicenseBuild script: MIT License[2]
Linux kernel: GPL
Debian: Various free software
Adobe Flash player: Proprietary
Official websitewebconverger.com

Webconverger is a discontinued[3] Linux-based operating system designed solely for accessing Web applications privately and securely. Based on the Debian distro, it is able to boot live from removable media like CD-ROM or USB flash drive but can also be installed to a local hard drive. Webconverger is pre-compiled to run on any x86 hardware. It does not have high system requirements and will also run on older machines.[4]

Webconverger is typically used in Web kiosk and digital signage deployments. It runs the Firefox web browser with a customised window manager dwm and a Firefox add-on also named Webconverger that locks the browser to a simple kiosk operation mode. The browser is locked down with most menus, toolbars, key commands and context menus disabled. Webconverger contains Adobe Flash support and PDF viewing by default. Both wired and wireless networks are supported via DHCP.

Webconverger does binary package updates through git hosted on GitHub.[5] This is unique to Webconverger as most other distributions use separate package management utilities. Although being developed in Singapore, it is mainly used commercially in Europe.[6]

Reception

[edit]

LWN.net reviewed Webconverger 12 in April 2012 with following words:[7]

By "kiosk" usage, the project means something rather specific. It is designed to support intermittent, anonymous users in an environment where system administrators are hard to come by. The examples listed on the project's commercial support page include unrestricted environments like libraries and public gathering spots, plus businesses with more specific needs (like retail banks or doctors' offices). In all cases, it is important that the user's private information be wiped as soon as the session ends, and that the kiosk cannot be altered to change browser or OS settings. The expectation is that with any sort of problem, from a power loss to a browser crash, the system will reboot quickly into a known good state.

Softpedia Linux also have a review of Webconverger 35.1:[8]

It is ideal for public places where the need for guest computers or thin clients is a must, such as libraries, Internet Cafes, tourist information centres, and even banks. It provides users with only a web browser, locked down by default.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Webconverger 35 release".
  2. ^ "Build script is MIT licensed." Retrieved from: https://github.com/Webconverger/Debian-Live-config/blob/master/LICENSE
  3. ^ "Webconverger End of life 2023". Webconverger. Archived from the original on 2023-09-29. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
  4. ^ Nathan Willis (2012) Webconverger 12, Linux Weekly News, Edition for April 12, 2012
  5. ^ "Git powered operating system upgrades".
  6. ^ Shiwen Yap (2104) A backpacking trip around SEA sparked this business idea, e27.c0
  7. ^ Webconverger 12 [LWN.net]
  8. ^ Download Webconverger 35.1, Softpedia Linux
[edit]
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