VM4ALL – Virtual Machines for All
Ingénierie et Architecture
VM4ALL enables students to take exams on their own laptops ("bring your own device") while maintaining strong anti-cheating protections. It is a true bare-metal solution that does not rely on a host operating system, providing a secure and self-contained exam environment.
The platform is designed to be compatible with nearly any laptop and does not require an existing operating system (OS). Students boot into a fully controlled, bootable OS image, which can be encrypted for additional security. This image is generated using an in-house containerized solution capable of producing encrypted ISO files.
VM4ALL supports cheat-proof live exams through flexible virtual machine configurations. Exam VMs can be configured without any physical network interface or, alternatively, with a network interface restricted to only allowed domains. This provides academic staff with granular control over what students can access during an exam.
One of the key strengths of VM4ALL is its high level of personalization. Entire OS environments can be tailored to fit the specific needs of a course, lab, or individual exam, ensuring that all necessary software and configurations are readily available.
For ease of use and broader compatibility, VM4ALL includes two cross-platform clients:
- A user-friendly graphical interface for general users
- A powerful command-line shell with a non-interactive mode, ideal for automation and advanced workflows
The system also supports USB redirection, allowing virtual machines to interface directly with USB devices connected to the student's laptop.
To facilitate deployment, students can boot the exam OS image from either a USB key or via a local network using the PXE protocol. This flexibility ensures smooth operation across a wide range of hardware setups.
With its robust security, configurability, and ease of deployment, VM4ALL provides an advanced solution for modern, secure, and personalized digital exams.