V8 N1 Paper 1
Annals of the MS in Computer Science and Information Systems at UNC Wilmington
Spring 2014

A Virtual Machine Self-Service Portal for the UNCW CSIS Masters' Students  

Amy Wells

Committee

Douglas Kline (chair)
Ron Vetter
Bryan Reinicke

Abstract

Students starting any new curriculum at UNCW face many challenges. Within the CSIS program these challenges can be even more profound. One of the greatest challenges to a CSIS student is having properly configured software to complete assignments. Preparing to start an initial assignment in a CSIS class involves numerous non-value-added activates. A student must first obtain the software and corresponding license or key, and then the software must be properly installed and configured. Many times this can be accomplished on the first attempt, but a large percentage of time multiple attempts are required which may or may not require the assistance of a professor. This project demonstrates a reference implementation of a system that delivers a set of virtual machines, each pre-configured specifically for individual classes within the CSIS curriculum. This implementation not only reduces non-value-added activities, it allows for a much more robust learning environment. Using virtualization technologies, virtual machines can be created that have added functionalities not possible on a student’s personal computer or in a traditional computer lab. This project focuses on creating a virtual machine template for advanced SQL courses. In the current environment a student only has access to one database within a single instance of SQL Server limiting the student to SQL Server Management Studio’s database engine. The implementation of this project will make it possible for that student to be the system administrator of their own instance of SQL Server, expanding the student’s access to integration services and reporting services.

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Recommended Citation: Wells, A., Kline, D, Vetter, R., Reinicke, B. (2014) A Virtual Machine Self-Service Portal for the UNCW CSIS Masters' Students. Annals of the Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems at UNC Wilmington, 8(1) paper 1. http://csbapp.uncw.edu/data/mscsis/full.aspx.

V8 N1 Paper 1
Annals of the MS in Computer Science and Information Systems at UNC Wilmington
Spring 2014