Laptop Requirements for
Course 2021, SANS Security Essentials Bootcamp
This course consists of instruction and hands-on sessions. The bootcamp sessions are designed to allow attendees to utilize the knowledge gained throughout the course in an instructor-led environment. Attendees will have the opportunity to install, configure, and use the tools and techniques that they have learned. CD/DVDs will be provided that contain all of the tools required for the exercises.
NOTE: Do not bring a regular production laptop for this class! When installing software, there is always a chance of breaking something else on the system. Attendees should assume that all data could be lost.
NOTE: It is critical that attendees have administrator access to the operating system and all security software installed. Changes need to be made to personal firewalls and other host-based software in order for the labs to work. Anti-virus software will need to be disabled in order to install some of the tools.
RECOMMENDATION: For maximum flexibility, attendees can run both Windows and Linux operating systems under virtual machines as long as the hardware on the laptop can support this.
Attendees are required to bring their own laptops that are properly configured. There is not enough time in class to help you install software on your laptop. Please note that your laptop must be properly installed and configured before you come to class. Attendees are also required to test their systems (as described below) prior to coming to class. In order to perform the exercises, attendees have three options. All options will work.
Option 1
Bring a laptop loaded with Windows XP SP3 or greater (Vista and Windows 7 will work) according to the instructions. This should be a default installation of the operating system with all of the options loaded.
For the Linux portion, Knoppix can be run from VMware. VMware can be downloaded/purchased from www.vmware.com. The version that is recommended for the class is Knoppix STD, which can be found at www.knoppix-std.org. This version has all of the tools needed for class pre-installed.
Test for Option 1
Please run this test prior to coming to class. Using VMware, boot your system into Knoppix STD and confirm that your system fully boots and that the Linux GUI properly loads.
Option 2
Bring a laptop loaded with Windows XP SP3 or greater (Vista and Windows 7 will work) according to the instructions. This should be a default installation of the operating system with all of the options loaded.
For the Linux portion, bootable Knoppix can be used. The version that is recommended for the class is Knoppix STD, which can be found at www.knoppix-std.org. This version has all of the tools needed for the class pre-installed. This CD is based off Knoppix and does not load anything onto the hard drive. Everything runs from memory and has no impact on the Windows installation. While SANS will provide a bootable Linux CD during the class, please download a version and test your system prior to coming to class. Most laptops work with Knoppix; however there are some newer laptops that have compatibility problems. If your system will not work with Knoppix, please use one of the other options below or troubleshoot the problem prior to coming to class.
Test for Option 2
Please run this test prior to coming to class. Boot your system off of Knoppix STD and confirm that your system fully boots and that the Linux GUI properly loads.
Option 3
Bring a laptop loaded with Windows XP SP3 or greater (Vista and Windows 7 will work) according to the instructions. This should be a default installation of the operating system with all of the options loaded. For attendees wanting more of a challenge, you can bring your own variant of Linux that runs in VMware under Windows.
With Linux it is critical that all of the libraries are properly installed, including the compilers. Prior to class, please make sure that all of the following tools compile and run:
- Nessus
- Tcp dump
- Ethereal (wire shark)
- Nessus
- Hping2
- Nmap
- Snort
Test for Option 3
Please run this test prior to coming to class. Boot into Windows and confirm everything loads properly. Run Linux and properly install the above tools. If the tools run correctly, then the system is properly configured.
Your laptop should also have a properly configured CD-ROM drive, (optional) 802.11 wireless card that works only under Windows, and Ethernet NIC (network interface card). Be sure to check that the CD-ROM and Ethernet card work properly under the appropriate operating systems. Prior to coming to class, the network interfaces should be tested to prove that they can be configured and that all of the proper drivers have been installed.
The other requirement for this course is an understanding of both Windows XP Professional and Linux. We provide a document that introduces you to both of these operating systems. The document also gives an overview of the commands you need to understand for the class. This document is available at http://www.learningtree.com/info/pdfs/intro_xp_linux.pdf. You should review this document before attending the class and ensure that you know how to run the commands on your laptop.
In summary, before you arrive at the conference you should:
- Download the install document.
- Install your systems using one of the three options.
- Download the introduction to Linux and XP Professional document.
- Have a properly configured system CD-ROM drive and NIC.
- Run the proper tests.
It is critical that you work through the documents before class so that you arrive with a properly configured laptop and a base understanding of Windows XP Professional and Linux.
By properly preparing, we know that you will have a knowledge-rich and enjoyable bootcamp session.
This course is developed and presented by SANS. Therefore, attendees are required to meet these SANS-provided requirements. Please direct questions to community@sans.org
