Apparatus and method for detecting and correcting problems, failures, and anomalies in managed computer systems such as kiosks and informational displays

An apparatus for detecting and remediating an anomaly in a managed computing system comprising one of (i) an informational display having a display output but having no user input functionality and (ii) a kiosk having an interface that allows the user to interact with the kiosk but which has functionality that precludes the user from changing a purpose of the kiosk, comprising:

• a data collection agent configured to execute on the managed computing system and to collect original data over time associated with components, operation, and configuration of the managed computer system;
• a monitoring and learning module configured to execute on the managed computing system and to process said original data and generate a historic record that includes time-based data comprising at least one time-based list in respect of said components, operation, and configuration of the managed computer system;
• an alert detection system configured to execute on the managed computer system and comprising at least one sensor having associated therewith one of said at least one time-based list, said at least one sensor being configured to be set to an activated state when sensor conditions associated with said sensor are met to thereby detect said anomaly, said at least one sensor being configured to determine when at least one of said sensor conditions is met by evaluating said at least one time-based list and a current-time value of the components, operation, and configuration of the managed computer system;
• and
• a remediation action module configured to execute on the managed computer system and to effect at least one of a plurality of predetermined actions when said at least one sensor is activated.