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During the 18th century, Turkish influences in Europe established the kiosk (gazebo) as an important feature in European gardens. The word, which is of Turkish origin, refers to an object that acts as a shadow or shade-maker. In fact, more detailed etymological studies reveal that the word "kösk" has the same ancient root as the Turkish word for shadow ("gölge"). The word "kösk" is currently used to refer to an old Ottoman style building, made of wood and clad with natural stones, with multiple stories, mainly used as a summer or winter recreational residence for the wealthy within the old Ottoman Imperial Palace. 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 other literature, and/or advice offered by an attendant. An electronic kiosk (or computer
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. Computerized
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,
computer keyboards, and pushbuttons are all typical input devices
for interactive computer kiosk. |
