Using Multiworld Technology – Vmware to Facilitate a Networking and Systems Software Laboratory

As the emergence of the Information Era continues, courses in information technology have been in high demand in educational institutions nationwide. In the Spring 2001 semester, at Purdue University, a new undergraduate course designed for non-networking majors concentrating on the exploration of network protocols, network operating system fundamentals, network operating systems, and directory services, was offered for the first time. By using VMware as the platform, students were able to gain hands-on laboratory experience that emphasized networking and systems software problem solving and troubleshooting skills through installation and configuration of network operating systems as well as systems software. This paper will describe and discuss the challenges associated with the laboratory activities, teaching, as well as the pros and cons with VMware.