April 2nd, 2021

To: Professor Heather Huggett

From: Shawn Delaney
Subject: Progress report on manual, “How to Operate a Virtual Machine”

This report will be used to allow me to discuss the plan, completion, and progress of my manual, “How
to Operate a Virtual Machine.” The manual will give people the information needed to use a virtual
machine and how a virtual machine works. This manual will also allow readers to figure out what
settings will be best for them to allow proper decisions for certain situations in which a virtual machine
is needed. As a person who uses virtual machines nearly every day, this is a topic in which I constantly
use.

Progress from February 22nd to April 2nd, 2021

Since being assigned this project by Professor Huggett, I already had an idea as to what topic I wanted
to focus on. I made sure to choose a topic I felt comfortable with and is something that I am
knowledgeable in to try to limit any errors. One thing I wish was to use a topic that was related to my
instructions project, but I believe this topic will be better suited for what is needed.

Choosing a Topic
My topic was denied for the instructions project as it was said that it would probably be better as a
training manual. Due to this, choosing this topic was easy as Professor Huggett approved it. My focus
on both the aspects of setting it up and some of the technology behind it makes it so that the topic will
properly work for the project.

Researching the Topic

The topic has not required any research so far for me. As stated before, I handle virtual machines nearly
every day which allows me to feel confident in writing a manual. If anything does come to a question
for me I will immediately research and provide the sources that I used.

Creating an Outline
After getting the topic approved and understanding how much research would be needed, I created a
rough outline for how I wanted the manual to end up. This outline is helpful as it allowed me to fully
visualize how the manual can go and what will be needed.

Creating a Template
A template was designed in order to properly show the information in a clean and easy to read method.
It follows the idea of having graphics on the right side while also being beside the information needed
with the graphic. This is essential as it will help with the understanding of the material.

Creating the Introduction and Requirements

The introduction and requirements sections of the manual have been created and are nearly
finished. They are currently being slightly adjusted as the wording was initially not friendly to
people that are new to virtual machines. They should be completed by April 12 th, 2021 at the
latest.

Tasks to Complete from April 3rd to May 3rd

During this time frame:
• Create template
• Create chapters 1-5
• Proofread
• Get a peer review
• Adjust the manual properly

Create Chapters 1-5

Creating these chapters will have many sub-categories and will take up the majority of the time with an
estimated time of about 57 hours. They will each cover different aspects of using a virtual machine and
will all be crucial in the learning process. They will vary in size as some chapters will contain more
information than others.

Proofread
Proofreading this manual is required as it will allow me to check for any mistakes that I might have
made. This will be spread out along an entire week to allow a slow process that can let me fully look at
it. This process is estimated to take about 6 hours.

Get a Peer to Review Manual

A peer or two will be asked to review the manual to make sure the manual is good for submission.
These peers will look at the manual as a complete beginner to find any confusing chapters or phrasing
in the manual. This can range from about 4 to 8 hours.

Adjust the Manual Accordingly

After getting better insight on the manual, I will adjust it to make it better. This will take another week
as to properly implement new information or better wording. This will focus on checking the manual
once again or even twice and making it look more clean and easier to read.

Date Task
April 5th Create introduction, requirements, and start
chapter 1 and chapter 2.
April 12th Finish chapter 1 and chapter 2 and start chapter 3
and 4
April 19th Finish chapters 3 and 4. Complete chapter 5.
April 23rd Proofread the manual
April 26th Allow peer review of the manual
April 29th Correct mistakes noticed and review one more
time.
May 3rd Submit the manual
Figure 1: Table defining dates and tasks.
Conclusion
I personally am okay with the progress that is made so far as it is all for preparation of the
assignment. Some things that might be completed later than anticipated will be chapters 1
and 2 as I have sadly fallen slightly behind due to those chapters requiring more time than
anticipated. If this happens, I can promise that they will be started by April 8th and still be
completed by April 12th, 2021. I am excited for the peer review as it will allow me to see what I
may overlook or mistype. If any questions arise, feel free to contact me at
sdelan01@my.blueridgectc.edu so that those questions may be answered.