Member Avatar for jamello

Hi, there people!

I have a project I have to deliver but I am at loss on the relevant tech. to use although I am a predominantly vb.net guy.

I am to deliver a software that would enable an internet cafe do these basic things.

  • Issue tickets that enables users to login and use any computer system on the network to browse the internet.
  • At the expiration of the time bought (via the ticket) the computer screen is blocked to further usage and the login page is displayed.
  • On the server, We should be able to see the list of connected or logged in users and the usage time remaining
  • see the list of websites being visited by each of the computers
  • Ofcourse if i'm able to do the above, I can report on daily sales and so on.

So people what is the overriding tech to use.:?: I know it a client and server app. Thanks in advance:cool: .
Ideas are welcome.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by amit6sharma86

Dani AI

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For ’s checklist (ticketing, timed sessions, remote view of users/remaining time, URL logging, reports) a pragmatic, VB.NET-friendly architecture is:

  • A central server (Windows service or ASP.NET Web API) with a SQL database (SQL Server Express works for small shops). Server issues single‑use tickets (PINs), logs sessions and produces reports.
  • A lightweight client agent (WinForms/WPF kiosk app) on each workstation that authenticates with the server, starts a local session timer, sends periodic heartbeats, and enforces session end by switching to a full‑screen login UI or by invoking a controlled lock action.
  • A network enforcement/logging layer: easiest is a centrally controlled proxy (proxy authentication + access rules) or gateway firewall that can be told to block a MAC/IP when a session expires. This also simplifies URL logging.

Implementation notes and quick examples:

  • Ticket generation: create a short printable PIN tied to a server session record.
' simple ticket generator (VB.NET)
Dim ticket As String = Guid.NewGuid().ToString("N").Substring(0,8).ToUpper()
  • Session flow: ticket -> client logs in -> server marks session active -> client posts heartbeat every 10–30s. Server can push a “lock” command via a persistent socket or SignalR when time expires, or the client enforces locally if the server can’t reach it.

URL logging options (pros/cons):

  • Central proxy: reliable logging for HTTP; requires all clients use the proxy and handles authentication centrally.
  • Client-side capture (browser extension or agent): easier per‑workstation control, but can be bypassed and is harder for HTTPS.
  • Packet/DNS logging at gateway: logs domains reliably (DNS/SNI) but not full HTTPS paths unless doing TLS interception (legal/privacy implications).

Cautions and operational tips:

  • HTTPS limits path visibility; logging full URLs requires interception and explicit user notice/consent. Maintain tamper resistance by running the agent with limited UI access (kiosk account or service) and validate sessions server-side (don’t trust client clocks). Use TLS for all server/client calls and store tokens securely. Since has offered a packaged solution and offered code help, compare a small prototype against off‑the‑shelf packages for time‑to‑deploy, support, and legal/compliance fit before committing.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for s/w_traffic

Hello, we have few things already done for few cyber cafe here in India and will highly appreciate if we given a chance to serve u the best solution for ur cafe.
Regards.

Member Avatar for jamello

Hello, we have few things already done for few cyber cafe here in India and will highly appreciate if we given a chance to serve u the best solution for ur cafe.
Regards.

Lets see how it goes. What do you have. Opensource? educate me.
Cheers!

Member Avatar for s/w_traffic

can i have ur yahoo chat id so that we can discuss there in detail.

Member Avatar for jamello

can i have ur yahoo chat id so that we can discuss there in detail.

cybernna

Member Avatar for s/w_traffic

i'll be online at 10 am

Member Avatar for s/w_traffic

i'm online at

Member Avatar for amit6sharma86

i will give the code for it,can u give me your code to match with my code ,i will give the correct code

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