Almost any approach is allowable, provided that it can be justified, and it works at least part of the time. You may use existing tools, however, the more you use, the better we expect your system to perform. You may use systems from work or from research activities, provided that you have obtained any necessary permissions first. Feel free to contribute additional programs. The laboratory is usually locked.
Some students already have keys from prior research activities.
I can loan a key for a few minutes if necessary. There are image scanners located around the campus, including the ADP lab and the CS Department office. Instructions for use are located on the scanners.