A lab template is a virtual training environment consisting of one or more virtual machines, that is, operating system images.  Lab templates can also include additional non-visual resources like database servers and ports.  Users can use either a prompted wizard or a graphical designer to define new lab templates, or they can create new templates by building off existing ones.

Lab templates are also inherently reusable.  They are, in essence, the basic building blocks for an OrasiLabs class.  When an existing lab template is used to create a new one, the new lab template inherits all the configuration from the existing one.  Lab templates can also be saved as customized base images which are then available in the Lab Template Wizard.

Once created and published, lab templates are used by classes to create dedicated copies of the environment for each class participant (i.e., instructors and students).  Participants use these environments to run the software necessary for the hands-on portion of a class.  Instructors might also use their copy to deliver the instructional portion of the class.

For a brief description of what lab templates are and an example of how to create one quickly, view the video below:

Lab templates can be created in several ways.  For single-image lab environments, the Lab Template Wizard provides a quick and easy way to build new lab templates from base images or from other lab templates.  For more complex environments, the Lab Template Designer extends the Lab Template Wizard by providing a graphical interface to define the required components.  Finally, the Lab Template Wizard can also be used to copy existing lab templates so you may define multiple customized versions of the same base image.

For a brief example of the Lab Template Wizard, view the video below.  For more detailed instructions, click the link above for the related article.

For a brief example of the Lab Template Designer, view the video below.  For more detailed instructions, click the link above for the related article.

To easily create a new lab template by copying an existing lab template, click the link above to refer to the related article.

Creating a Lab Template with the Lab Template Wizard
Creating a Lab Template with the Lab Template Designer
Copying an existing Lab Template

Lab Template Permissions
Lab Template Labels
Deleting a Lab Template

Class Overview