This project adds a crucial laboratory component to two classes taught by Department of Computer Science: Operating Systems and Networking and Data Communications. These two courses have a common need for experimentation-based, laboratory experience. The new laboratory has six workstations of various configurations plus a file server. This lab exists on its own subnet, isolated from the general purpose lab while retaining access to its printers and other services. It is configured so that each machine has two disks. The second disk on each machine is provided for experimentation--it can be manipulated and even trashed without damaging the laboratory setup or the general purpose lab. The system is as diverse as possible, with machines from four different classes of workstation. Each class is configured differently, has different requirements, and is used for different purposes. The networking media are different and varied. Work is being done to support the automation of machine reinstallation. Students are responsible for machine reinstallation. This project constructs a laboratory environment to teach Operating Systems and Networking, produces a set of laboratory manuals for each of these classes--both in electronic hypertext and hardcopy forms--and produces a set of new software, developed to facilitate the laboratory experiments.
