Install a server on your old Dell Optiplex. I don't really care what you install and it won't matter much for this course. You need a webserver. I recommend a LAMP or a WASP type server. Ubuntu server is easy to setup this way so you might try it. WIN S 2008 may be a bit much for the dell optiplex so if you want to do that, let me know and I will try to find your group a machine (note this is likely the more challenging approach). Basically, just install this and get it ready to run for later use and testing. This can become your workstation for your router if you like. Install minicom if you want to do that.