Pre-Installed VM Download

I think downloading a pre-installed virtual machine was a useful experience. Although I did not have any major problems, I found that the exercise provided a different perspective and "refresher course" learning opportunities on a few minor points. For example, I'm still not that comfortable with the unzip and run processes so it took me longer than it probably should have to get past those steps. Nevertheless I did - and that gives me a sense of satisfaction and confidence in my ability to work through small problems.

This approach did allow me to more quickly get into the hands-on work with the repository - learning the system, entering items, and building my collections. At this point in the semester that is a good thing. I appreciated the learning experience of building from scratch (with the instructor's detailed and clearly written instructions!) the other systems. I think a combination of both building from scratch and pre-installed is recommended.