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Technology & Materials

You’ll have access to everything you need for this course, personal computers and VMs are optional extras if you want more practice.

Lab access

Computers & lab environment

  • No personal computer required: You do not need to provide your own computer for this course.
  • Loaner computers: Loaner computers are available from the college if you need one.
  • Classroom labs: Lab environments are set up in the classroom (CATE-208) for hands-on activities.
Bottom line: You will have access to the systems you need to complete your coursework, even if you do not own a personal computer that meets virtual machine requirements.
Optional personal computer use

Using your own system for VMs (optional)

If you choose to use your own computer to run a Windows virtual machine for additional practice, the following specs are recommended:

  • RAM: 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended for smoother performance).
  • Storage: At least 50–60 GB of free disk space for virtual machines and snapshots.
  • CPU: 64-bit processor with hardware virtualization support (Intel VT-x or AMD-V).
  • Software: A hypervisor such as VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Player (as directed in Canvas).
  • OS: Windows, macOS, or Linux capable of running the chosen hypervisor.
Note: Some devices (like certain Chromebooks or low-spec laptops) may struggle to run local VMs. If that’s the device you have, rely on loaner machines or the classroom labs, and let me know so we can plan together. If you’re not sure whether your computer meets the recommended specs, reach out and I’ll help you check.
Textbook & resources

Course materials

Textbook access: The textbook for this course will be provided through Canvas.

Other required resources:

  • Any publisher platforms, labs, or additional tools will be linked directly in Canvas modules.

You do not need to purchase anything before class just for this course, we’ll walk through how to access materials together.

Community & connection

Cyber Defense Program Discord (optional)

Students in the Cyber Defense program may join the community Discord server:

https://discord.gg/2p8rYGTdVf

Use Discord for community help, shared resources, and informal discussion. Do not rely on Discord for official course communication or time-sensitive questions; use the Canvas Inbox or your ACES student email for that.

Living syllabus

This page may update during the semester

If we add new tools, adjust how we use VMs, or update how to request loaner devices, this page will be refreshed to reflect those changes and linked in Canvas announcements. As your skills grow, the support you see here can grow with you.