Karaoke Forums

I am a Pro-KJ running a computer based system! With that said, I am trying to figure out how to setup a database search viewer on another notebook for the audience to search the available tracks & then fill out the slips. I am trying to get away from the songbooks! If anyone could help me with the best options, I would be more than grateful! Looking for the most economical, free, etc. Thanks DJSTAR!

Well I am sure there are a number of database search programs out there, and I will try to throw a couple out as well, but first ya might wanna think about how to lock the PC down so the ONLY thing a customer can access is the search program.  I am also sure that there will be a number of responses that will tell the karaoke hosting software they use is the greatest thing since peeled grapes but you sound as if you have that area covered and are looking to go to the next digital step.
 I suggest using a program such as Advanced Internet Kiosk 5.4.  Here is the info on it-
 Advanced Internet Kiosk is intended for building Internet kiosks, public access PCs, or in-store terminals; disable access to files installed on your PC and prevent users from changing PC settings; give full access to only necessary applications including Internet Explorer.
 Advanced Internet Kiosk is a software that allows you configure internet access. Advanced Internet Kiosk will give many people free access to the workstations you create, but none of them will be able to damage (whether accidentally or intentionally) vital system files or stuff hard disks with garbage. Advanced Internet Kiosk supports multiple authentication methods such as username and password authentication, time-locked code (lets users access workstation for a given period of time only) or a combination of both. Advanced Internet Kiosk is also ideal for home PCs to limit children activities and prevent important files from being accidentally damaged.


You can go to the manufacturers homepage to see more info on this program and several others-
http://www.softstack.com

Another promising file search engine is called Search Engine Composer v5.6  and you can build your own complete search engine from any file structure.  Here is the info-
 Search Engine Composer enables you to create a web site search engine for online or offline usage. It automatically indexes a specified web site or local file structure, and builds a complete search engine, ready to use.
 The search engine works with Internet, Intranet and CD/DVD offline search, and also provides visitor search reports, including top 50 keywords, and search activity reports.
 The search engine can be either Java based, which requires no additional server components and can be used on CDs, or it can use PHP, which requires that your server is running PHP. The program is easy to use and offers a step-by-step interface and additional options to customize the search and result pages with use of templates. You can specify the file extensions to index (with support for PDF) and include pages or sections of a site, let the user search sections of a site and more. A quick and easy solution, if you need a search engine, without the need for any programming experience.

 I am not sure who makes it but you can google search it.

You could also simply convert your database into a PDF file, use the kiosk program I mentioned above to lock the laptop to the PDF file and then they can just use the search feature of the PDF file to look up songs, singers, manufacturer etc.. you could probably do the same with an access database or excel spreadsheet.

I will try to post more as I think of them... good luck...

tig

The song books get ruined from spilled drinks on a regular basis.  Now unless you are a millionaire that can afford new laptops every month...what are you thinking?


A book can dry out..not so with a shorted out motherboard.

I just found out someone put out their cigarette in the slip/pencil pouch in the front of one of the song books.  Some a** will try to ruin the computer just to see if they can do it...look at the way they try to destroy all the restroom dividers and toilets and towel & soap dispensers etc.

That's got to be the first time that I have been thankful for the state wide smoking ban within public buildings.  I'm a smoker and I hate that I have to go outside but I understand why it's in place.  But that's a new one to me... someone putting their cigerette out on the pencil bag.

Sorry bout getting off topic there.

I'm actually greatful for Tigrr's post.  I was interested in trying to set up a Karaoke Kiosk, and wasn't quite sure where to start untill I saw the post today.  Thanks.