hello David, This is how TestOut designed their simulations. I've used TestOut LabSim for 5+ years. CompTIA purchased their platform last year and now the new CertMaster Perform blends the best of both. The notes on the left are directions to follow. So if a student sees "Wireshark" - they click on the Wireshark icon or search for it. Then go to the next step and so on. The idea is to use the computers as if walking into a small business "set up."
As an instructor, I usually do these with my students the first time as a demonstration and then have them complete the lab. If you really want to have full instructions - go into the lab, do nothing except answer the questions, correctly or not and then click score. Full instructions then become available.
Sometimes with difficult labs, I print out the instructions in advance. I like the fact that the "instructions are hidden" because it allows for some experimentation and failure as part of the learning experience. If a student has everything correct all the time by following step-by-step instructions they may not grasp the full extent of real-world application. Some students find it defeating, others find it exhilarating.
