Abstract: The invention provides a self-service computer having a monitor which can access and display documents using browser software, and including software for providing at least one image which includes controls for the browser software. A microphone, speaker, camera and serial input device can be added to the kiosk to extend its functionality. The serial input device can be provided as a card swipe reader, a bar code reader, a smart card reader, a personal identification verifier and combinations of these. Examples of personal identification verifiers include palm print readers, retina scanners, voice analyzers, finger print scanners, DNA testers, and the like.

Abstract: A self-service kiosk system is provided which includes a monitor having a display screen, a microprocessor electrically coupled to the monitor for controlling the display screen, a browser software executable on the microprocessor for accessing and displaying documents in response to user input, the graphical user interface (GUI) of the browser software including controls for the browser software and a document viewing area, and at least one image positioned for display on the screen so as to mask the controls for the browser software, the image thus rendering the controls inaccessible to a user of the kiosk system to resist tampering with the browser software. The self-service kiosk system may also include a security control software which is programmed to disable system functions available to the user of the kiosk system to resist tampering with operation of the kiosk system.