How to use XtremeLabs virtual labs

XtremeLabs creates technology training on Microsoft Azure subjects such as identity and traffic management.

Their courses are labs that use a built-in “virtual machine” (VM), which is software that simulates a PC, so you can practice what you learn.

In this guide:

• Before you begin
• Requirements
• Where to find labs
• How to start a lab
• How to complete a lab
• Support

Before you begin

These labs work differently from other OpenSesame courses because of their virtual machine.

For the best experience, know that:

1. Virtual machines “boot up,” just like turning on an actual computer. This can take a few minutes.
2. Progress does not bookmark. Every time you open a lab’s virtual machine, the VM starts from the beginning. Please allow enough time to finish a lab in one session.
3. There is a time limit. VMs do not remain open indefinitely. This is because they use more resources than other courses. XtremeLabs sessions cannot be extended.
4. Accuracy matters. Typos or missed steps can prevent commands from working.
5. Completions require an action. When the virtual machine is active, open the Lab Actions menu and select End Lab to register a completion. This works regardless of how much of the lab has been finished.

Requirements

Follow the OpenSesame System Requirements. As mentioned there, allow pop-ups.

Next, add the following:

• Use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Other browsers may have unexpected behavior.

Where to find labs

If you are a learner, labs may be available where you find other courses. This could be in a learning platform or through a launch link. If you expect labs and they do not appear, contact your learning administrator.

If you are a learning administrator, to locate XtremeLabs:

1. Visit the OpenSesame marketplace.
2. Use the Publisher filter to select XtremeLabs.
3. All results are now labs.

Another option is to find a Curated List that collects XtremeLabs courses.

1. Visit the OpenSesame marketplace.
2. Use the Product Type filter to select Lists.
3. Enter “XtremeLabs” into the search bar. 
4. All results are now relevant Lists.

How to start a lab

First, launch the lab the same way as any other course—usually from a button in a learning platform or a launch link.

The course opens a new window. If you get only a page saying “We launched your course in a new window,” a pop-up blocker is probably on. Close the course, allow pop-ups, then try relaunching.

When the VM finishes loading, a list of instructions appears next to a virtual desktop. A completion percentage appears as well as a countdown timer.

• The completion percentage shows your progress but labs do not bookmark, as noted in Before you begin. To update the percentage when you finish a step, select the step’s checkbox.
• The timer shows how long the VM will stay open. XtremeLabs sessions cannot be extended. If the timer reaches 00:00:00, the lab automatically closes. Plan enough time to finish the lab in one session.

For lab tools such as accessibility features, select the keyboard tab. You may also use this tab if you are instructed to switch VMs.

To close or reopen the instructions, use the arrow tool.

Some instructions have a paste tool, which can fill selected fields for you.

• If you need an administrator’s password, find it in the lab’s instructions.
• If the page is blank, wait a few minutes for the lab to finish loading.
• If buttons are missing, try enlarging the window.
• If you use a Mac and are asked to press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, select the keyboard tab and then the Ctrl+Alt+Del button.

On rare occasions, it might be necessary to use the Microsoft Authenticator app to sign in.

• If this applies, the lab has additional instructions.
• Affected learners use the XtremeLabs Azure account, not personal or company Azure accounts.

How to complete a lab

To complete an ACI Learning lab:

1. Launch the course.
2. When the VM loads, open the Lab Actions menu.
3. Select End Lab.

Confirm the action and wait for the lab to close. After a few moments, a “Your lab has ended” message appears, and the lab is complete. You can close the course.

• It is not necessary to answer Challenge Questions to earn a completion. They exist to reinforce what you learn in the lab.
   

Support

• For support with lab steps, select the chat tool in the bottom corner of the course to reach XtremeLabs Support. 
• For technical assistance, email OpenSesame Support at support@opensesame.com. OpenSesame Support can assist if something does not work, however they cannot answer questions about lab content.

If you have further questions, contact OpenSesame Support at support@opensesame.com, through live chat, or by phone: (503) 808-1268, ext. 2 (U.S.) or +44 203 744 5541 (Europe).