What are the Hardware/Software requirements to participate?

Mandatory System Hardware Requirements

• CPU: 64-bit Intel i5/i7 (8th generation or newer), or AMD equivalent. A x64-bit, 2.0+ GHz or newer processor is mandatory for this class.
• CRITICAL: Apple Silicon devices cannot perform the necessary virtualization and therefore cannot be used for this course.
• BIOS settings must enable virtualization technology (e.g., Intel-VTx or AMD-V extensions). Please ensure you can access your BIOS if it is password protected in case changes are necessary.
• 16GB of RAM or more is required.
• 160GB of free storage space or more is required.
• At least one available USB 3.0 Type-A port. A Type-C to Type-A adapter may be required for newer laptops. Some endpoint protection software prevents the use of USB devices, so please test your system with a USB drive before class.
• Wireless networking (802.11 standard) is required. There is no wired Internet access in the classroom.

Mandatory Host Configuration and Software Requirements

• Your host operating system must be the latest version of Windows 10, Windows 11, or newer.
• Please fully update your host operating system prior to the class to ensure you have the correct drivers and patches installed.
• Linux hosts are not supported in the classroom due to the wide range of variations. If you choose to use Linux as your host, you will be responsible for configuring it to work with the course materials and/or VMs.
• Local Administrator Access is required. If your organization cannot permit this level of access during the course, please plan to bring a different laptop.
• Ensure antivirus or endpoint protection software is disabled, fully removed, or that you have the administrative privileges to do so. Many course labs require full administrative access, and these tools may interfere.
• Any filtering of outbound traffic may prevent completion of the labs. Firewalls should be disabled or you must have the administrative privileges to disable them.