What Is A Kiosk?
A kiosk is a place where people gather to get information. It is derived from the Turkish word for an object that acts as a shadow or shade-maker like a gazebo or pavilion.In English-speaking countries, a kiosk is a booth with an open window on one side. Some vendors operate from kiosks, selling small, inexpensive consumables such as newspapers, magazines, lighters, street maps, cigarettes, and confections.
An information kiosk (or information booth) dispenses free information in the form of maps, pamphlets, and literature; or advice offered by an attendant.
An electronic kiosk (or interactive kiosk) houses a computer terminal that often employs custom kiosk software designed to function flawlessly while preventing users from accessing system functions. Indeed, kiosk mode is a euphemism for such a mode of software operation.
Interactive kiosks may store data locally, or retrieve it from a computer network. Some computer kiosks provide a free, informational public service, while others serve a commercial purpose. Touchscreens, trackballs, proximity detectors, keyboards, pushbuttons and card readers are all typical input devices for interactive computer kiosk. Printers, speakers and dynamic displays are typical output devices. If the kiosk vends a product there would also be some device or method for exchanging money or scrip.
From Wikipedia.com