Switching between Kiosk and no kiosk mode

[gareth-davies]

I'm developing an application in which the user can create, edit and delete records. The final records need to be displayed in full screen mode (rather like a PowerPoint presentation). This is all done and the application is bound in kiosk mode for this reason. However, I'd like to add a little more functionality such as the ability to access the font menu to select different fonts, text colour and size on words within fields. The only way I have found to do this is to bind the application in non-kiosk mode. So is there a way I can either:

script access to items in the fonts menu, so I can create a way of accessing these by button of pop -up box, or

binding in non-kiosk mode and switching between non-kiosk and kiosk mode when the user needs to 'present', or

another way of tackling this?

[SteveB]

You want your cake, and you want to be able to eat it at the same time. There is no script or plugin control that I know of for handling fonts and changing field widths. Why don't you create additional layouts with different fonts, colors, etc. and then give the user a popup menu or buttons that he can select the layout(s) from?

Secure FM from Millenium Computing is a plugin that will selectively allow you to remove FM menus and menu items. I think it can be run under script control but I'm not sure. You would only be able to use it in non-kiosk mode, and it will never look as good and clean as a kiosk.

[CobaltSky]

There is a solution which pretty well perfectly fits your description of what you want to do. It is a freeware plug-in from Protolight called 'Display Toolbox'.

Display Toolbox is cross-platform. What it does is to enable you to invoke a simulated 'kiosk mode' in runtimes or unbound solutions - which can be turned on and off at will, via scripted calls to the external function set of the plug-in.

If interested, you will find further details plus a free download of the plug-in from the Protolight site at:

http://www.protolight.com/plPLUGs.html

[Anatoli]

Protolight is not a cross platform:

Download Current Version

Linux (not avail)

Mac OS 9 (1.0v1)

Mac OS X (not avail)

Windows (not avail)

Experimental Beta Version

Linux (not avail)

Mac OS 9 (not avail)

Mac OS X (not avail)

Windows (1.1v1 x32)

That is copy from their site.

I did try one of their plug-in with fiasco.

IMHO -- this guy got great ideas, but nor resources to implement them.

Professional developer charge for plugins and the plugins are really crossplatform.

In Two4U case the plugins are fat-fat-fat! That is great team! The same plugin is running on Mac OS, Mac X and Windows.

[CobaltSky]

I agree that, as with all freeware, a 'use at your own risk' caveat applies.

I read about your problem with their Crypto Toolbox plug-in - which is unfortunate.

All up I agree that commercially developed and supported products are preferable if they are available and the budget allows. I own current developer licenses to eight plug-ins for this reason.

However in this instance, I am not aware of a commercially available plug-in which provides the requested features - whereas it is possible that display toolbox may suffice...

[Anatoli]

Yeah, sure, if it works and it is free -- great!

It was just my small rant