They can practice the line command interface of UNIX and DOS while still having the graphical user interface on their own computers to do their everyday work. What a distinct advantage for an employer, to know that this new employee is skilled in the Windows environment, but has a working, hands-on understanding of the machines that will drive their network and even a service provider. To remove the case on a computer and look inside, is a whole new view of the world of computing. By doing it. Well, you use old computers, open them up, and start working.
Students have the capability to create CDs for their own pleasure and amusement.
They can also create a professional portfolio demonstrating their experiences with and knowledge of computers, as well as examples of some very professional project papers press this on a CD that can be used as a cutting edge resume in pursuing positions on graduation. The piece de resistance is the networking capability of the lab. This begins with the NT servers and connecting the graphics computers in the lab. Then, although printers are available on across the campus, we added a printer in the lab as part of the network contained there. The students themselves constructed this lab.