Setting up Mac computers for Exhibition contexts:
1. Turn off screen saver: System settings> Desktop & screen saver>> Screen saver> Start after (lower left)> set to "NEVER"
2. Deactivate the sleep state: System settings> Energy saving> In the "Power supply" area> Switch off the monitor after: set to "NEVER"
3. Automatic on / off times: System settings> Energy saving> In the "Power supply" area> Schedule (lower right)> Enter times for switching on and off
4. Automatic Login: System Settings> Users & Groups> Select Users> Login Options> Automatic Login:> Select Users and Enter Password (user / user)
Show websites in Kiosk mode:
Use the safeexambrowser to prevent users from exiting the browser screen:
Playing movies
The MegaSuperAwsomeQuickTimePLayer (MSAQT Player) is a simple program for playing endless loop of video fullscreen.
http://www.memo.tv/msaqtplayer/
Start Programmes automatically
It's quite simple to get programmes to start automatically after login (MSAQT Player for example).
System Settings> Users & Groups> Select Users> Login Objects> Objects that are dragged into the window are automatically opened at startup
Automator
Sometimes you might need to do something more complicated that just starting a programme. Perhaps you need to open applications in a particular order, or even use some key shortcuts to start a serial connection or enter presentation mode. Automator is easy to use, comes preinstalled on IOS.
Marcopolo
Sometimes you need to do something a little more complicated, for example only run a fullscreen application only after a beamer or external monitor is turned on, or when a particular usb device is connected. Marcopolo allows "context-aware computing" and is quite easy to use.
http://www.symonds.id.au/marcopolo/