Spin up a Windows VM, follow along with each module's SOP, and build the muscle memory you need to perform in a real help desk environment.
You need a Windows 10 or 11 VM to practice every procedure in this curriculum. Free options below — no license purchase required for evaluation builds.
VirtualBox is free, cross-platform, and works on Windows, macOS, and Linux hosts. Download the latest stable release and install Guest Additions for clipboard sharing.
virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads →Microsoft offers 90-day evaluation builds free of charge. Download the Windows 10 Enterprise evaluation ISO from the Microsoft Evaluation Center — no product key needed.
Evaluation Center →New → Windows 10 (64-bit). Assign 4096 MB RAM and 2 CPUs. Create a dynamic VDI disk with at least 60 GB. Mount the ISO, boot, and run through Windows setup.
After Windows setup completes, take a VirtualBox snapshot named Clean Install. This lets you revert to a fresh state between labs without reinstalling the OS.
Download Malwarebytes Free, a cable tester app sim, and RSAT (for AD labs). All are referenced in module SOPs and installable in the evaluation VM.
Open the Password Resets module, switch to Phase 2 (Do IT), and run through SOP-001 step by step. Every SOP is designed to be followed in your lab VM.
Module 01 →Guided lab walkthroughs are built out alongside the curriculum. Follow the VM guide above to practice any module's SOP now — dedicated lab pages expand on that with injected fault states and verification steps.
| Lab | Module | Skills Covered | Status | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab 01 — Password Resets | SOP-001 | Local account reset, net user, MFA recovery | In Progress | Coming Soon |
| Lab 02 — Software Deploy | SOP-002 | MSI silent install, Programs & Features, AppData cleanup | Planned | Coming Soon |
| Lab 03 — Network Connectivity | SOP-003 | ipconfig, ping, DNS flush, APIPA diagnosis | Planned | Coming Soon |
| Lab 04 — Printer Fix | SOP-004 | Spooler restart, queue clear, driver reinstall | Planned | Coming Soon |
| Lab 05 — Cable Testing | SOP-005 | Link light, cable swap, NIC Device Manager | Planned | Coming Soon |
| Lab 06 — Malware Removal | SOP-006 | Safe mode scan, Defender, persistence check, browser reset | Planned | Coming Soon |
| Lab 07 — Performance Diag | SOP-007 | Task Manager, Event Viewer, chkdsk, sfc | Planned | Coming Soon |
| Lab 08 — Active Directory | SOP-008 | ADUC, unlock account, create user, group membership | Planned | Coming Soon |
| Lab 09 — Security Hardening | SOP-009 | BitLocker, Firewall, SMBv1 disable, audit policies | Planned | Coming Soon |
These external platforms complement the VM-based labs with browser-accessible environments and structured learning paths.
Browser-based VMs for Windows fundamentals, Active Directory, networking, and security. The SOC Level 1 and Jr. Penetration Tester paths are excellent complements to Tier 2 modules.
tryhackme.com →Free and paid courses aligned with practical IT support and security. The Practical Help Desk course directly maps to Tier 1 topics in this curriculum.
academy.tcm-sec.com →The source for this site is open. Lab scripts, fault injection configs, and future automated lab environments will live here. Issues and PRs welcome.
github.com/the-rarest-heart →