Making a kiosk PC with Debian

september 2024 version

• Install Debian stable 12 bookworm on the PC, with Gnome Shell destkop environment.
• We need to install gnome-kiosk package. gnome-kiosk is not available on Debian 12, but it will be in the next version. In the meanwhile, you can follow the guide here to convert your Debian 12 into a Debian unstable (sid).
• After installation, upgrade and reboot, as root install the gnome-kiosk package:
  apt install gnome-kiosk
• Optional: install ssh server:
  apt install openssh-server
• Edit the /etc/gdm3/daemon.conf file. In /etc/gdm3/daemon.conf, and uncomment both AutomaticLoginEnable and AutomaticLogin lines. Put the username you created during installation in the AutomaticLogin line. Save the file and exit the editor.
• Reboot. You will be automatically logged in. Logoff.
• On the main login screen click on the user name, a gear icon will appear on the bottom right. Click on that icon and select Kiosk Script Session (Wayland Display Server). Enter the user password and login.
• An editor will appear, il will allow you to edit the ~/.local/bin/gnome-kiosk-script file. Remove or comment the line starting with "gedit". Add a line to start firefox in kiosk mode with your favorite URL:
  firefox --kiosk https://www.debian.org save the file and exit the editor.
• Reboot and enjoy your kiosk.

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