# Ask the institute to run this on a lab machine during your visit
docker run --rm hello-world
docker run -d -p 8080:80 nginx:alpine
curl -s localhost:8080 | head -5
kubectl get nodes        # if a local cluster is set up
# If these work quickly, the lab environment is genuinely ready.

Typical laptop requirements for DevOps labs
RAM: 8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended for local Kubernetes
Storage: SSD with spare space for images and VMs
OS: Linux, macOS, or Windows with WSL2 enabled
Virtualisation enabled in BIOS
If your laptop is below this, ask about cloud-based labs.

DevOps path for freshers
1. Linux, shell scripting, networking basics
2. Git and GitHub workflows
3. Docker and Compose
4. CI/CD pipeline with tests
5. Kubernetes basics
6. One cloud platform
7. Terraform basics
8. Capstone + resume + mock interviews

DevOps path for working professionals
1. Quick Linux and Git refresh
2. Containers for your current tech stack
3. CI/CD for the kind of apps you build at work
4. Kubernetes and cloud deployment
5. Infrastructure as code
6. Monitoring and incident basics
7. Capstone mirroring a work scenario
Tip: apply one thing at work after each module

Review reading notes
Repeated positive themes: ______________
Repeated concerns: ______________
Mentions of labs: yes / no
Mentions of trainer depth: yes / no
Questions to ask the institute about concerns:
1.
2.

During the trial class:
☐ Did the trainer explain why, not just how?
☐ Did learners type commands themselves?
☐ Was an error fixed live, with explanation?
☐ Was the pace right for my level?
☐ Could I ask questions freely?
☐ Would I happily attend this twice a week?

Institute Visit Checklist
Name: ____________  Date: ______
Travel time from home/office: ____ min
☐ Saw a lab running
☐ Docker image pulled successfully
☐ Cloud lab access explained
☐ Syllabus received in writing
☐ Batch options for my level
☐ Trial class booked
☐ Fees and inclusions in writing

Comparison Sheet (1-5)
                    Inst. A   Inst. B   Inst. C
Lab infrastructure    ___       ___       ___
Path for my level     ___       ___       ___
Trial class quality   ___       ___       ___
Review themes         ___       ___       ___
Timing and commute    ___       ___       ___
Support in writing    ___       ___       ___
TOTAL                 ___       ___       ___

If an institute offers a trial period:
Day 1: attend class, note pace
Day 2: repeat the lab alone at home
Day 3: ask one doubt through their support channel; note response time
Day 4: attend second class
Decision: continue only if labs worked and doubts were answered