Log out option for public use computers

Heath.Davis
I read some other forum posts on this topic and it seemed to point to Zotero Everywhere as the solution, but I can't seem to see how one would log out of a Zotero session on a public access computer so that their data doesn't get tampered with by the subsequent user.

Is there a way to completely log out of a Zotero account so the next person who comes along can then log in to their Zotero account? I work at a technical college and we are beginning to phase out our previous reference manager and usher in Zotero as the wave of the future, but this log out issue is something I don't have the answer to.

Thanks in advance collective Zotero wisdom!

Heath R. Davis
  • adamsmith
    Zotero everywhere enables you to edit your library on this site. You can log out of your account using the "Log Out" button on the top right and - provided you don't save your password, of course - no one has access to it w/o the password. The next person can then log in with her account info.

    It's not super-straightforward to log out when you're using the Zotero client (i.e. the plugin).
    Both Firefox and every operating system provide a system of user accounts that are very easy to use and set-up and can be password protected. If you don't want to use those - why would you want to use one for Zotero?
    Even if you were to wipe Zotero clean after each user - i.e. delete the sync information and all data - that would mean that every time a user wants to used Zotero s/he has to perform a full sync of all data, which can easily take 10-20mins.

    So in short: You can't practicably use the Zotero plugin on a public computer w/o either Firefox or OS profiles.
    Users can use the everywhere functions on the Zotero website to view their libraries and make smaller edits.
    Hope that helps.
  • dstillman
    So in short: You can't practicably use the Zotero plugin on a public computer w/o either Firefox or OS profiles.
    You could practicably use the browser plugins without Standalone and save directly to the server, though (though the functionality is obviously much more limited that way). We're still working on the authentication situation there, where the ability to unauthenticate would be useful.
  • Heath.Davis
    Yes, that is what I was looking for. The ability to enter and access data through the web browser is incredibly useful and has really pushed us to roll out this reference manager to our students. I have been showing them how to enter the information into each of the fields, but I'm not sure how they would generate bibliographies for their items if they don't have Zotero Standalone or the Firefox addon. It is probably not a legitimate fear, but I fear that someone might jump on the computer after them and either start saving stuff to their library or accidentally delete items. This could probably be fixed if we had personal log ins for our public use computers, but unfortunately we are not there yet.

    I still think Zotero is the best thing going! I love it and I'm looking forward to getting all our students using it!

    Heath
  • adamsmith
    I actually don't think the fear is misplaced - all it takes is for someone to clean the library and accidentally sync to the wrong account, because the old user info is still there. There doesn't have to be any maliciousness involved.

    If you want students to be able to use public computers for their regular classwork there is not going to be any way around user profiles, preferably roaming profiles.
    Otherwise they can use public computers for research and adding/editing resources as Dan suggests and they'll have to use personal computers for the actual writing process.

    Since many users don't quite understand where Zotero data sits - because it's integrated with the browser, one common mistake is to think that it's all in the clouds - you're setting yourself up for lots of upset students by installing the standalone (or the add-on set to save items locally) on public computers.
  • Heath.Davis
    Will there ever be the option to unauthenticate through FF addon or Zotero Standalone? Or because it is stored locally or through profiles this just can't be done?

    Heath
  • ajlyon
    Unauthenticating is easy-- just remove the username and password from the prefs. The problem is that you also need to clear the local database and sync with the new account, which, as adamsmith noted, will mean 10 minutes or more to switch users, and probably lots of room for error.
  • Heath.Davis
    I found some kind of workaround. Apparently if you enter some gibberish text in the username and password area in either Zotero Standalone or FF addon and reset it gives you a bunch of error messages, but essentially wipes out all of the data.

    Heath
  • dstillman
    edited September 22, 2011
    It doesn't wipe out any attached files that way—only the Zotero database. It doesn't even wipe out the automatic backups of the database in the data directory.
  • SamiQ8
    I'm a PhD student and in my University we are using hot desks (using desks per availability), I just want to use Zotero software from the public mac specially to use the option of cite while you write, and when I open the standalone software i find the library of a previous persone loaded up with folders attachments and notes of resources. I just can't simply jump in and sync my content while the stuff from another person is there!!! Also I don't want to erase stuff that will damage the library of my colleague !? I Need Help Please I Feel Trapped !!!
  • adamsmith
    sorry, but that's just not a set-up in which using Zotero makes a lot of sense or works particularly well.

    Technically speaking, you can turn off auto-sync, the point the data directory to an empty, custom location (under advanced --> Files and Folders), restart Zotero and then put in your username and password and sync - but I really advise against doing this - it will leave all your data on the harddisk as discussed above e.g. even if you remember to remove your sync info in the preferences.

    If you want/need to use Zotero - and in particular the Word integration - you really need your own account or your own computer.
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