A computer that runs a SteepleMate Kiosk, Billboard or Scroller works best when it is stripped down: no extra programs, no pop-ups and no automatic restarts. These steps are optional, but they make the machine more stable and keep visitors and Windows from interfering with the display.

The exact steps differ between versions and editions of Windows. Where your version of Windows does not have a setting named here, skip that step or look for the closest match. Pentesoft can also prepare a machine for you for a fee, or supply a ready-to-run system with a touchscreen. Use the contact details at the bottom of the Downloads page.

Before you start

The Downloads page lists the minimum equipment for each machine:

• All machines: Windows 8 or newer, at least 4 GB of RAM, about 64 GB of storage, and an internet connection (Ethernet is preferred).
• Kiosk: Any processor.
• Billboard: A dual-core processor and a better-quality video card.
• Scroller (Marquee): A quad-core processor and a better-quality video card. For smoother scrolling, add RAM, a faster processor or more video memory.
• Suggested: An Intel quad-core i3, i5 or i7 processor (a micro PC with an Atom processor also works if cost matters). Billboards and Scrollers work best with a dedicated video card that has its own memory. A Kiosk should have a touchscreen, with the mouse and keyboard unplugged after setup. A surge protector or battery backup is highly recommended.
• Windows 11: Windows 11 cannot be installed or run on many older computers, so check your machine before you plan on it.

Activating a Kiosk, Billboard or Scroller carries a charge. The Downloads page says so next to the download buttons.

You can also download Pentesoft's own checklist from the Downloads page. It is the Machine Preparation Suggestions link in Step 10.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Create an administrator account

During Windows setup, create a local administrator account that is not a Microsoft account.

Create the account: Use the username ADMIN and a password of your choice (add a hint). Turn off the optional settings Windows offers during setup (for example the voice assistant, if your version has one).

Step 2: Turn off automatic Windows updates

Open Services: Press the Windows key + S, type services.msc and press Enter. Double-click Windows Update, click Stop, set Startup type to Disabled, then click OK.

We recommends this so the machine is not interrupted by update restarts. If you turn updates off, plan to update the machine by hand from time to time.

Step 3: Create a standard user account

Add the account: Open Settings, go to Accounts, then Other users (Family & other users on older versions), and add an account without a Microsoft account. Make it a Standard User and leave the password blank. Any name works. Many churches use their church name.

You will sign in with this account when the machine runs the SteepleMate program.

Step 4: Note whether Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit

Check the system type: Open File Explorer, right-click This PC, choose Properties, and note the system type (32-bit or 64-bit).

Step 5: Turn off computer maintenance

Open Security and Maintenance: Open Control Panel, then System and Security, then Security and Maintenance. Choose Change Maintenance settings (called Change Settings on some versions) and turn Computer Maintenance off. If your version of Windows does not show this setting, skip this step.

Step 6: Rename the computer (optional)

Open the computer name settings: Open Control Panel, then System, then Advanced system settings. Under Computer Name, click Change and enter a name that describes the machine, such as "Billboard 1" or "Kiosk 3". Restart when Windows asks.

After the restart, sign in with the standard account from Step 3.

Step 7: Clean up the Start menu and taskbar

Clear the Start menu: Right-click each tile or app and choose Unpin from Start, or Uninstall if you do not need it. On versions with a resizable Start menu, make it as small as possible.

Set up the taskbar: Right-click the taskbar, choose Taskbar settings, and turn on Automatically hide the taskbar. Hide the search box, task view and any other buttons you can. Icons that your version of Windows no longer has can be ignored.

Step 8: Set up the desktop and display

Personalize the desktop: Right-click the desktop and choose Personalization. Set the background to a solid color. Under Colors, turn off transparency. Make sure no screen saver is selected.

Turn off notifications and sleep: Right-click the desktop and choose Display settings. Turn off notifications and system icons you do not need, and set the power options to Never sleep.

Step 9: Download and install the SteepleMate software

The installers are in the Media menu.

Open the Media menu: Sign in to SteepleMate from the machine you are preparing. From the left menu, choose Media, then Kiosk Installer, Billboard Installer or Scroller Installer. All three open the same Downloads page.

1. Kiosk Installer: Opens the Downloads page for the Kiosk.
2. Billboard Installer: Opens the Downloads page for the Billboard.
3. Scroller Installer: Opens the Downloads page for the Scroller (called Marquee on the page).

Download the one you want: On the Downloads page, click Download Now under Billboard, Marquee or Kiosk. If your church has a customized build, the button reads Download Your Customized Kiosk Now (or Billboard, or Scroller).

1. Download Machine Preparation Suggestions: Pentesoft's PDF checklist for these steps.
2. Download Now (Billboard): Downloads the Billboard installer.
3. Download Now (Marquee): Downloads the Scroller installer. The Billboard program also runs the Marquee.
4. Download Now (Kiosk): Downloads the Kiosk installer.

Run the installer: When the file has downloaded, open it. When Windows asks whether to run it, clear the box named Always ask when opening this file.

Register the machine: A registration screen opens. Enter your SteepleMate username and password, a description and a location for the machine, then click Register. After it registers, more settings appear. Set them as you need. You can change them later (see Managing Machine Settings).

If you are setting up a Billboard or Scroller, choose its Default Function (Billboard or Marquee) before you start it.

For full installer steps, see Installing A Kiosk and Installing A Billboard.

Step 10: Add media for the Billboard or Kiosk

Open Manage Announcements: In SteepleMate, choose Media, then Manage Announcements. Add images or videos and assign them to the Kiosk or Billboard. Nothing shows on a machine until you have assigned something to it.

When you are done configuring the program on the machine, choose Exit to save your settings, or Start to begin. If you leave the machine alone, it counts down and starts by itself. To stop the countdown, move the mouse. To stop a running Billboard or Scroller, hold down the Alt key and press F4. The configuration screen comes back.

Step 11: Turn on automatic power on (BIOS)

A machine that restarts by itself after a power failure keeps your display running.

Open the BIOS: Restart the computer and press the BIOS key as it starts. This is often Delete or F1, and some machines show the key on the startup screen. You can also open it from Windows: go to Settings, then Recovery, choose Restart now under Advanced startup, then Troubleshoot, Advanced options, UEFI Firmware Settings and Restart.

Enable Auto Power On: Find the setting that powers the machine on automatically. Its name differs by manufacturer. Save and reboot.

Test it: Unplug the machine, then plug it back in. If it starts up on its own, you are done. If not, try a different BIOS setting.

Some computers do not have this setting at all. If yours does not, place it where someone can reach the power button easily after an outage, or keep the power switch in the on position.

Tips

• * Do not plug a mouse and keyboard into a public Kiosk once it is set up. Plug them in again only when you need to change something.
• * To check that a machine is running after setup, see Monitoring Machine Status.
  
• * If a Billboard goes black, see Troubleshooting a Black Screen on SteepleMate Billboard.