The Advanced Cyber Systems Lab at Gateway Community College provides hands-on learning opportunities for students and community members to grow increasingly competitive in the technology sector.
Our goals are:
- To provide learners with the opportunity to explore IT topics that interest them in a hands-on environment
- To help create opportunities for people to work side by side on interesting projects with experienced industry professionals
- To allow folks the chance to try new things and sometimes (or frequently) make mistakes in a friendly environment
- To actually move the bar regarding meaningful cybersecurity training and practice
- To be part of moving Phoenix to the forefront of Information Technology, along with all the other folks doing good work out there
What can I do at the Advanced Cyber Systems Lab?
Operating Systems Testing is a good place to start if you have never had the chance to install an OS on a computer. We have lab computers that you can use for installing over twenty different operating systems that we’ve preloaded onto USB flash drives so you can get started quickly. This gives you the chance to find out the answer to those “I wonder what would happen if…” questions. Come give Linux a try with something user-friendly like PopOS! or extremely security-focused such as Qubes OS.
Computer Networking really starts to make sense when you have the chance to learn how things work hands-on. The ACSL has a half dozen Cisco routers and switches just waiting for you to jump in the chair and take on the role of Network Administrator. This complements the full-size Cisco Networking Lab down the hall that is used for Gateway’s Cisco CCNA classes. In the ACSL, you can take things a step further and work with both Dell and HP servers, firewalls, VoIP, and other interesting equipment.
The ACSL is home to the Secure Small Business Network. This is a model network design for small businesses that is a significant improvement over frequently implemented designs based on residential equipment. The SSBN potentially offers better security, at an affordable price point and with good usability. Documentation can be found on the project’s GitHub page, Secure Small Business Network.
Gateway Community College has the first Right To Repair Hub in the Valley at the ACSL. This is a place where both students and community members can come in and repair electronics such as smartphones and laptops. We do not do the repair work for people who visit but have a place set up where they can repair their own devices with support and learn more about technology and how it works in the process.
There are currently six antistatic bench/chair workspaces. Each workspace has its own computer for accessing online repair information and guides, such as the over 100,000 free manuals on iFixit’s website. One workspace is specially set up for soldering repairs, as needed. We have PC-Doctor, a computer service center-level diagnostic tool, available for helping to find potential hardware issues. There is also a machine setup for wiping hard drives (ref. NIST SP 800-88r1) if you have a computer that you plan to give to a friend, donate, etc.
Gateway’s Advanced Cyber Systems Lab partnered up with iFixit to bring this space to life. iFixit generously helped provide some of the specialized tools that are needed for this kind of work. The Technology Education Collaborative an Arizona non-profit, is helping to assist with our running Right To Repair events, refreshments, and promoting the Right To Repair Hub in the Valley.
The Technology Education Collaborative hosts in-person and hybrid events that include:
- Right to Repair information & advocacy events
- The Personal Privacy Improvement & Education meetup
- Technology demonstrations and hands-on education
- Tech community collaborations and projects
The ACSL is also a good place to learn more about relevant uses for 3D Printing and then try your hand at actually making something useful. The lab’s 3D printers have been used to make some interesting projects including a mask for a touring theatre production, Gridfinity organizational system parts, and the frames for cost-effective sound treatment panels.
The latest project, which is still in the works but nearing completion, is the addition of a Podcasting Studio. This will allow students and community members to start sharing their ideas with the world.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Located in Room MA 2108
GateWay Community College-Washington Campus
108 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Check the calendar for open days and hours: https://techshortcuts.com/arizona-it-events-calendar/