G+_Larry Frazier Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 I am a student currently working on my BS in IT Admin management. Summer is almost here. For my Summer project I am building a computer lab separate from my home network so I can practice networking. I have a tower that I will be putting Windows Server 2012 on. I am thinking cheap laptops for clients because of space. I can do towers with a KVM switch if necessary. It just depends on what I find. I am looking for do's and dont's from anyone who has done this. I am also looking for an inexpensive managed switch that I can console into. Any suggestions? Thanks. Larry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Eddie Foy Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 VMs. Could run a couple/3 on each laptop. Being that those VMs won't be 'used', resources should be overtaxed. And remember/write down the PWs! (I haven't forgotten to do that 6 or 30 times.) As for managed switch, check ebay for a used one. Seen 24 & 48 port ones for $50 and up. I'd stick with the bigger brand names, Cisco, HP, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Larry Frazier Posted May 29, 2015 Author Share Posted May 29, 2015 Eddie Foy That is an excellent idea. That would cut down on the number of clients I need. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Taylor Graham Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 Just install the hyper-v role on your 2012 server, then add VMs until it explodes. That way you'll get to learn a bit about hyper-v as well. You can create all kinds of network configurations using virtual switches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Larry Frazier Posted May 29, 2015 Author Share Posted May 29, 2015 Taylor Graham It might take me awhile to get the components together, so doing things in a virtual environment might be a good next step. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Ben Reese Posted May 30, 2015 Share Posted May 30, 2015 If you want to branch into Linux as well, you can use VMs or throw in a competitive Raspberry Pis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Larry Frazier Posted May 30, 2015 Author Share Posted May 30, 2015 Raspberry Pi's on a network would be a very small footprint and be really cheap. And you can repurpose them for a lot of other things. Interesting idea! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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