Masters of Science in Information Security

Lab Facilities

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Lewis University utilizes two laboratories for teaching and practicing the field of Computer Science. These are located in rooms S120 and S121 in the University's Science Building. Both rooms are used for classroom instruction as well as for completing homework assignments and doing out-of-class investigation.

Room S120 was equipped in August, 2002. It consists of four separate groupings of computers, each used for a different course. The four groups are described here:

• Linux: 5 PCs running various flavors of Linux. Students install and experiment with each of the different installations (Suse, Gentoo, Debian, Redhat, Mandrake) and perform administration tasks with each. They also experiment with security issues, attacking each other's machines and trying to prevent their own system from being attacked. One of these PCs also serves as a mirror for Gentoo and Debian installations.
• Communications and Networking: 6 PCs running various versions of Windows and Novell. Students experiment with setting up homogeneous and heterogeneous networks and implement solutions to connectivity problems. They also gain experience configuring and maintaining Windows servers.
• Windows Networking: 6 PCs running Windows 2000 that are used for the introductory course in computer networking.
• Software Development: 6 PCs running Windows 2000 that have various software development and design tools installed. These workstations are used for classes that focus on software coding and design.

Room S121 was assigned to the Department during the summer of 2004 and was furnished with new machines and desks in preparation for the start of the Fall 2004 semester. It consists of 16 P4 2.8 GHz PCs configured with two hard drives. One hard drive is used for Linux, and the other is used for Windows. The machines come with 17" flat-panel displays and sit at specially designed desks arranged in a semicircular arrangement surrounding the lecture area. The PCs are equipped with basic office applications as well as an array of software development tools that enable students to annotate notes and experiment with concepts during lecture. This creates a highly interactive learning environment for students.

Both labs are connected to the outside through the Department's dedicated T1 line. The Department's faculty and students manage the domain cs.lewisu.edu, configuring and maintaining the Department's web and email services. During the fall of 2004, a virtual private network appliance is being installed to provide outside access to the facility.

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