Purpose of OS

Network operating systems are similar to a PC operating system. Through a GUI, a PC operating system enables a user to:

• Use a mouse to make selections and run programs

• Enter text and text-based commands

• View output on a monitor

A CLI-based network operating system like the Cisco IOS on a switch or router enables a network technician to:

• Use a keyboard to run CLI-based network programs

• Use a keyboard to enter text and text-based commands

• View output on a monitor

Cisco networking devices run particular versions of the Cisco IOS. The IOS version is dependent on the type of device being used and the required features. While all devices come with a default IOS and feature set, it is possible to upgrade the IOS version or feature set to obtain additional capabilities.
In this course, you will focus primarily on Cisco IOS Release 15.x. The figure displays a list of IOS software releases for a Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch. 

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