Making a switching choice - Catalyst 500/520/ESW Linksys SRW/SFE

Greetings would someone be able to clarrify please what direction Cisco is taking in regards to the SMB switching product line as i am starting to get somewhat confussed.
From my estimation we currently have the following available for the SMB market, agreed there is a significant price difference between some of the product lines but it appears as though the choice when choosing an appropriate switch is becoming somewhat blurred and is beginning to come down to price rather than features and or performance characteristics.
Cisco Catalyst Express 500 Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst Express 520 Series Switches
Cisco Small Business Pro ESW 500 Series Switches
Cisco Small Business Managed Switches (Linksys Business Series)
Cisco Small Business Smart Switches (Linksys Business Series)
Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches
Can i ask if there are any plans to merge some of the product lines such as the 500 and 520 which are both similiarly priced, managed almost identically and have the same feature set.
Are there plans for the ESW line to replace the existing Linksys SRW/SFE and Cisco 500/520 equivalents?
Would i correct in assuming that the ESW line runs IOS Code?
Any assistance would be much appreciated.
Regards
Mark Rigby

Mark,
Great questions. Thanks for posting.
1. Yes, you can expect that over time the ESW 500 Series will replace the Catalyst Express Series.
2. There are no plans for the ESW 500 series to replace the SRW/SFE switches. These product families are somewhat overlapping, but are targeted towards different types of small business customers and VAR partners.
3. You are incorrect in assuming the ESW is IOS based. It is not.
The attached PDF provides a high-level comparison of the Cisco switches that sell into SMB.
Thanks,
Georganne

Similar Messages

Can we monitor Catalyst 500 series Switches?

Dear All,
I am having Catalyst 500 switches in my Networking Environment. I want to monitor those switches by using snmp. Please advise whether this can be done and what are the kinds of traps we can enable? Also please suggest some links or pdf's of this Cat500 series switches.
Also these switches are having the below iOS.
12.2(25)FY
12.2(25)SEG6
Thanks,
Ashis

Hi Ashis,
Please check this link to get more info about SNMP configuration.
Krishna

Catalyst 500, voip, dropped calls

Are there any known issues with the Catalyst 500 series and dropped VOIP calls? We are having repeated problems, and our provider keeps pointing back to the switch.
We are using a CE 500 24-PC and LG phones. Switch software has been upgraded, multiple different Smartport configurations have been tried, and the switch itself has been swapped out with a second 24-PC.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Daren

What diagnostics have you/your provider done that leads you to believe this is a switch problem?
Have you collected any traces? What are the precipitating circumstances just prior to the drop (if any)?
Have you tried any other (non-E500) switches?
It could be something as simple as needing Frame-Relay taffic shaping on the interface(s) to your WAN.
More details would be helpful. I've used E500s in a variety of roles and configs, all have worked without a hitch.
Good Luck
Scott

InterVlan Trunking between Catalyst 500 Express and Router 1841

Hello,
I am currently attempting to configure 2 VLANs on a Router 1841 and allow them to communication with my Catalyst 500 Express switch. The Router Setup is simple
its 3 Sub-ints on the FE0/0 interface.
interface FastEthernet0/0
description $ETH-LAN$$ETH-SW-LAUNCH$$INTF-INFO-FE 0$
no ip address
duplex auto
speed auto
interface FastEthernet0/0.1
description *** ADMINISTERING VLAN ***
encapsulation dot1Q 1 native
ip address 10.19.1.1 255.255.255.0
interface FastEthernet0/0.2
description *** DATA VLAN ***
encapsulation dot1Q 2
ip address 10.19.2.1 255.255.255.0
interface FastEthernet0/0.3
description *** VOICE VLAN ***
encapsulation dot1Q 3
ip address 10.19.3.1 255.255.255.0
ip helper-address 10.19.2.2
FE 0/0 Port on the Router is connected to port 24 on my Catalyst. I set the Smartport on port 24 of the Catalyst to be Router for trunking purposes
I get a notification error on the Catalyst saying "Undersized frames detected from the connected device" (which is my ROUTER).
does anyone have a suggestion? Or Is it supported this scenario?
Thanks,
Eduardo

I had the same issue when I was working on CE500s and a WLC.
In the CE500 Device Manager, go to Configure->VLANs
Create your VLAN 2 and 3.
Then go back to smartports, click customize, and verify that VLAN-1 is default (native).
Sending information through a port on the CE500 that it is not expecting will set alerts in the log.
Hope this helps.
RB

Making the switch - any suggestions?

So, I did it. I finally ordered a Mac (Mini) and am making the switch from MS/Intel to Apple. My Mini isn't even here yet (due next week), but I have been browsing the forums here to get an idea of any pitfalls I need to avoid, suggestions that look like a good idea, etc...
So, I ask the forum -- what do you suggest? I am fairly computer-literate (built my last PC from pieces), but have absolutely no experience with Apple/Mac/OS X...
Any books to learn the new lingo? Any apps that will make the transition a little smoother? While I am excited in the switch, there is some trepidation in learning a new language...
Thanks in advance...
mac mini, 1.66 Core 2 Duo, 2 Gb RAM Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Blankmange, welcome! And congrats on your choice to switch.
We can probably give tips that are better directed if you tell us a bit about how you used your PC, what programs and tasks you did with it, etc. And what you want to do with your new Mac.
Some tips up front:
1) The Mac equivalent of CTL-ALT-DEL to get the attention of a non-responsive program is Apple-Option-ESC. Or WinKey-Alt-ESC, if you are using Windows keyboard. The "Apple" key is also referred to as the "Cmd" or "Command" key. Or the "squiggle" key.
2) Don't rename your home folder, ie the one with the House icon.
3) Stay out of the iPhoto Library folder. It's contents are best used via the iPhoto program.
A thread on how to be a smart Mac user here:
http://discussions.apple.com/click.jspa?searchID=-1&messageID=4086431
4) 512 Meg RAM on an Intel Mac is not a good match for MS Office. Need 1 Gig for decent performance. With 2 Gig, the Mini really shows its stuff when running multiple apps.
5) The equivalent of the Windows Control Panel is Apple Menu > System Preferences.
6) Unless you have more than 512 Meg RAM memory, don't get carried away with running "Dashboard Widgets". They can consume a fair amount of memory, and slow down your system.
7) You can use a two-button mouse with scroll wheel. The right mouse button will supply "context-sensitive" menus, which can be a real time saver.
8) The equivalent of "Properties" is "Get Info".
9) The equivalent of "Shortcut" is "Make Alias". Aliases have a little arrow in the bottom left corner of their icons. Be sure to note this, so that you can tell the difference between an alias and the original. Copying an alias will not make a copy of the original, only a copy of the alias. Deleting an alias will leave the original intact. Deleting the original, deletes your data.
10) The Mac has a very efficient virtual memory system and file system, and you usually don't need to concern yourself with either. Just make sure you leave 10% or more of your hard disk free, so that the OS has elbow room. The OS will even keep your disk defragmented automatically if you give it enough room to work.
11) If you buy external storage, firewire is much preferred to usb. Will be substantially faster. A dual-interface (Firewire+USB) will give maximum flexibility for devices that need to be used with PCs and Macs.
12) My personal opinion is that Norton Anti-virus is not a good choice for OSX. It hooks deep into the OS, and appears to be correlated with a number of mysterious problems reported here. Clam-AV would be a safer choice -- though most Mac users don't run any anti-virus, including yours truly. I would recommend that you turn on the Apple firewall and/or use a router with firewall protection.
13) Have a look at the free NeoOffice suite, if you'd like to keep some money in your pocket instead of giving it to Bill Gates: http://neooffice.org Reads and writes MS formats. Produces great PDFs, too. I exchange documents with many organizations using NeoOffice; never had a bit of problem.

Catalyst 500 POE cable pinouts

I read that the catalyst 500 supports both 802.3af and cisco pre-standard but I need to verify which cable pins the catalyst 500 is using to power a Cisco Phone.
I assume it will be either 1, 2, 3, 6 or 4, 5, 7, 8.

Hi Shane,
Here is a reference guide for the Catalyst 500 which shows that the pins being used are 1,2,3,6 as you suggested.
User Guide for the Catalyst Express 500 Switches
From this doc;
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6545/products_user_guide_chapter09186a0080531d83.html#wp1007834
Hope this helps!
Rob
Please remember to rate helpful posts........

How to configure catalyst 500

hello,
i dont know how to connect to the switch catalyst 500.for the first time.
(no console port)
thanks

Hi There,
In addition to scott's post make sure that your PC is set to obtain ip address automatically. This will give you an IP 10.0.0.2. Using the Scott's procedure above try to configure it and if the browser doesnot pull up the page try using http://10.0.0.1
Once you are on the oage you have to put the ip address/subnet mask/gateway. Save the changes.
You can also use CNA (Cisco network Assistant) tool to manage CE500 once the IP settings are done.
http://www.cisco.com/go/networkassistant
HTH, Please rate if it does.
-amit singh

AP1200 and Switch Cisco Express 500

Hi,
We have an AP1200 (port 1) attached to a switch cisco express 500,in this switch we are using a Vlan and we have a DHCP server.
The problem is when a new PC tries to connect to this AP, it takes to much time to assign the IP address, and in other cases the PC is disconnected from the System constantly. Do you know wich could be the problem ?

It sounds like it could be a problem with your wireless signal - have your tried doing a carrier busy test on the AP to check for interference?
Regardsd
Aaron
Please rate helpful posts.

Making the switch finally

Hi everyone. After almost a decade of designing my websites
in Front Page my employees have finally convinced me to make the
switch to Dreamweaver. We will be upgrading to CS4 Design Premium
at the beginning of the year, and to say I'm a bit "worried" would
be an understatement.
I have built over 400 websites, and we currently
host/maintain almost 200 sites for our 140+ clients. My staff is
trained in Dreamweaver so they are very excited about finally
making the switch. I myself am self-taught and can build a FP site
in my sleep. I have taught FP, trained staff and colleagues, etc. I
am VERY comfortable in FP, and have won over 30 awards for my
designs in FP (thank goodness and can read/write some code in code
view). So to toot my own horn, I am very comfortable/confident in
FP and have always been a fan of the software. I have always told
people that it is not the software that builds the site, but the
designer and the software is just a tool to get it done.
But after much debating, thinking, researching, etc... we are
finally ready to take the plunge. I am obviously nervous leaning
new software, and being able to keep up with our steady work
(exisiting and new clients) and really cannot afford to have much
downtime in the way of a learning curve.
I have started the Lynda.com training, and that is making me
sleepy. As great as I'm sure the training is, I feel like I'll be
listening to that forever. I have DW already on my computer and
thought I'd just jump right in, but find the UI so different that
I'm a bit overwhelmed.
So I thought I'd come join the forum, as hearing from others
is often such a better learning method for me. I will continue my
training at lynda.com as well as a few other tutorials I've seen
around the way... but wanted to ask a few quesitons to the experts
here...
1. What software/training program would you guys recommend
for learning DW for someone already very familiar with building
websites (I'm finding that the Lynda.com training is geared to
beginners and I'm forced to re-learn things I already know)?
2. What is the best method for changing from FP to DW?
Meaning, is there software or a plug-in available that I can
import/transition my exisiting FP sites to DW? With so many sites,
just this task alone seems almost impossible.
3. Currently we use Xara Webstyle for our drop down menus. I
have been using this program for years and years, and it
quickly/easily creates javascript drop down menus for our sites.
Easy to use, easy to edit, inexpensive and works in FP almost
seamlessly. When we switch over to DW I'd like to use something
more search engine friendly - do you guys have anything you
recommend?
4. For once we are up and running on DW, what else do you
guys recommend?
TIA for your help!

> 1. What software/training program would you guys
recommend for learning DW
> for
> someone already very familiar with building websites
(I'm finding that the
> Lynda.com training is geared to beginners and I'm forced
to re-learn
> things I
> already know)?
Discard this idea completely. Learn HTML and CSS. That's
really a key to
the effective use of DW. Forget the tool. Learn the
technology.
> 2. What is the best method for changing from FP to DW?
Meaning, is there
> software or a plug-in available that I can
import/transition my exisiting
> FP
> sites to DW? With so many sites, just this task alone
seems almost
> impossible.
Before doing anything else, take a couple of weeks to
gothrough the DW
tutorials, and also to study HTML and CSS. The more you know
about those,
the easier your transition will be. DW expects alot more from
you than FP
did, and as a result, you may find it much more frustrating
to have the raw
reality of web development staring you in the face rather
than the wizards
of FP.
> Is there a way to convert a Frontpage site into a
> Dreamweaver site
1. I'd define a Dreamweaver site that points to a location on
your hard
drive for the local site's root, and to the current FP site
on the web as
the remote site
2. I'd use Dreamweaver (if your host supports FTP
connections) to download
the remote site to the root of the site you just defined on
the hard drive.
This will pick up all the pages *after* webbot action so that
shared borders
and all are already present in the page HTML. This will also
pick up all of
the server scripting. Note - in the event that you are not
able to connect
using FTP since some FP hosts block that protocol, you will
have to use a
third party 'site copier' like Black Widow, QuadSucker, or
WebCopier, (or
even the DW extension called SiteAssist from WebAssist) to
connect and
download using http protocols. Doing it this way will *not*
retrieve any of
your server-script code, if any (unless you have used the
WebAssist
extension).
3. I'd create a DW template for the pages, that captures the
"shared
border"
effect you had in FP.
4. I'd copy and paste content from each FP pages to a new
template child
page and then save the new child page with an easily
identifiable
nomenclature that is distinct from what was used on the FP
site (since you
are saving the new child pages into the same local site as
the FP pages).
5. When the basic site is completed, I'd upload the new DW
pages to some
staging area/webspace, and by using the browser, I'd verify
that the site
(as it now exists remotely) is complete.
6. Then I'd create a *new* DW site in a new location on the
hard drive, and
connect to and download all the files from the staging site.
7. You can now delete the original FP site from your local
system if you
want.
You now have a complete site (minus any of the FP extension
server-side
code) that has no FP footprint.
If you have used any FP server extension functions on the
original FP site
(form processing, guestbooks, tables of contents, etc.), you
will have to
recreate those functions in DW using 3rd party scripts, or
scripts that you
write yourself.
> 3. Currently we use Xara Webstyle for our drop down
menus. I have been
> using
> this program for years and years, and it quickly/easily
creates javascript
> drop
> down menus for our sites. Easy to use, easy to edit,
inexpensive and
> works in
> FP almost seamlessly. When we switch over to DW I'd like
to use something
> more
> search engine friendly - do you guys have anything you
recommend?
I would not touch Xara with a ten foot pole, or any menu
system that writes
all-javascript menus. There are many reasons for this, but
accessability is
right at the top of the list.
Anyhow - check the uberlink and MacFly tutorials at PVII -
http://www.projectseven.com/
and the Navbar tutorial/articles at Thierry's place
http://tjkdesign.com/articles/dropdown/
Or this one (more recent article):
http://tjkdesign.com/articles/Pure_CSS_Dropdown_Menus.asp
Or to get it done fast, go here -
http://www.projectseven.com/tutorials/navigation/auto_hide/index.htm
> 4. For once we are up and running on DW, what else do
you guys recommend?
Keep coming here. 8)
Murray --- ICQ 71997575
Adobe Community Expert
(If you *MUST* email me, don't LAUGH when you do so!)
==================
http://www.projectseven.com/go
- DW FAQs, Tutorials & Resources
http://www.dwfaq.com - DW FAQs,
Tutorials & Resources
==================
"onelily" <[email protected]> wrote in
message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi everyone. After almost a decade of designing my
websites in Front Page
> my
> employees have finally convinced me to make the switch
to Dreamweaver. We
> will
> be upgrading to CS4 Design Premium at the beginning of
the year, and to
> say I'm
> a bit "worried" would be an understatement.
>
> I have built over 400 websites, and we currently
host/maintain almost 200
> sites for our 140+ clients. My staff is trained in
Dreamweaver so they
> are
> very excited about finally making the switch. I myself
am self-taught and
> can
> build a FP site in my sleep. I have taught FP, trained
staff and
> colleagues,
> etc. I am VERY comfortable in FP, and have won over 30
awards for my
> designs in
> FP (thank goodness and can read/write some code in code
view). So to toot
> my
> own horn, I am very comfortable/confident in FP and have
always been a fan
> of
> the software. I have always told people that it is not
the software that
> builds
> the site, but the designer and the software is just a
tool to get it done.
>
> But after much debating, thinking, researching, etc...
we are finally
> ready to
> take the plunge. I am obviously nervous leaning new
software, and being
> able
> to keep up with our steady work (exisiting and new
clients) and really
> cannot
> afford to have much downtime in the way of a learning
curve.
>
> I have started the Lynda.com training, and that is
making me sleepy. As
> great
> as I'm sure the training is, I feel like I'll be
listening to that
> forever. I
> have DW already on my computer and thought I'd just jump
right in, but
> find the
> UI so different that I'm a bit overwhelmed.
>
> So I thought I'd come join the forum, as hearing from
others is often such
> a
> better learning method for me. I will continue my
training at lynda.com as
> well
> as a few other tutorials I've seen around the way... but
wanted to ask a
> few
> quesitons to the experts here...
>
> 1. What software/training program would you guys
recommend for learning DW
> for
> someone already very familiar with building websites
(I'm finding that the
> Lynda.com training is geared to beginners and I'm forced
to re-learn
> things I
> already know)?
>
> 2. What is the best method for changing from FP to DW?
Meaning, is there
> software or a plug-in available that I can
import/transition my exisiting
> FP
> sites to DW? With so many sites, just this task alone
seems almost
> impossible.
>
>
> 3. Currently we use Xara Webstyle for our drop down
menus. I have been
> using
> this program for years and years, and it quickly/easily
creates javascript
> drop
> down menus for our sites. Easy to use, easy to edit,
inexpensive and
> works in
> FP almost seamlessly. When we switch over to DW I'd like
to use something
> more
> search engine friendly - do you guys have anything you
recommend?
>
> 4. For once we are up and running on DW, what else do
you guys recommend?
>
> TIA for your help!
>

Linksys SRW 224G4, Cisco Catalyst 3650G and management via trunk

I have couple of Linksys SRW 224G4 and SRW 2024 connected together with Cisco C3650 switches. For my part of network VLAN100 is used as administrative vlan and VLAN1 as defult (on trunks or unused ports).
Altrough most of switches work fine, on all older models of SRW224G4 (hw 1.0, various firmware versions) there is no connectivity to management utilities (also ping won't work) via trunk (where of course VLAN100 is present). At the same time there is no problem with access on "local" ports (assigned to VLAN100) and there are no problems with traffic on VLAN 100 along the network.
For example:
Two computers (A and B), two switches (sw1 - old SRW224G4 and sw2 - Cisco switch), are connected as follow:
A--VLAN100--sw1--TRUNK--sw2--VLAN100--B
Swicthes have VLAN100 as management VLAN, computers are connected to access ports (untagged).
A has access to management on sw1 and sw2 and connectivity with B
B has access to management on sw2 and connectivity with B but has no access to management on sw1...
If sw1 and sw2 are same, old SRW224G4 - everything works fine.
Newer versions of SRW224G4, SRW2024 and SLM2024 works OK.
Why it doesn't work?
Thank for your attention.

I don’t thing there is difference with the old and new versions of the SRW224G4 unless there is a reported case of firmware problem with the said switch. As what you have said you also tested the new version of SRW224G4 and other models of these manage switches and seemed to work. I suggest totally resetting the said switch, making sure you updated the latest firmware version and making the necessary VLAN configurations.
Other than these, I suggest contacting Cisco Tech support to further look into your concern. I believe this unit belongs to the business series devices that Cisco is now supporting. Try to go to this link for the other business series devices and the site where you can get hold of Cisco for support:
http://www.cisco.com/web/products/linksys/index.html

Catalyst 500 express switch , how to discover ?

is there a discover tool for such a switch, i forgot the assigned ip , i know very very stupid.

- whats the user network segment of your switch?
- do you implement separate network management for all cisco devices? if yes, whats this network segment?
perhaps if youre in a critical time, resetting the config will do:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6545/products_tech_note09186a0080707fb0.shtml

Thinking about making the switch

Hello, my name is Bryce. I purchased an HP Pavilion tx 1000 Tablet PC about 8 months ago, and while I love the model, I've been very unhappy with Vista, and with the HP tech support policy. Recently, I've learned of a widespread problem with the motherboard used in my laptop's model - this issue is well documented online but not recognized by HP, and I'm beginning to see the symptoms in my laptop (the failure progresses from a wifi card failure to a motherboard failure, apparently caused by the use of bad materials in the NVIDIA motherboard/HP overclocking of the AMD processor to sell it off as a more powerful machine). At the moment I am hoping that my now-updated BIOS and the new wifi card HP is sending me will tide me over, but I fear that the issue is worse and I'll be stuck dealing with this for awhile.
So, I have been thinking about switching over to Mac. I used to have a G3 iBook (back when they were new), and I was quite unhappy with it. I'm hoping that I can get some feedback regarding the following questions. My budget is around 2,500 dollars.
1.) Generally, when I'm on a computer it's to use Microsoft Office, IRC, AIM/MSN/YIM, HTML/CSS editors, Gimp and web surfing. I occasionally play computer games, but nothing too high end. What Mac laptop would best be suited for me? Does Mac sell Microsoft Office 07 pre-installed? How expensive would that be? What IRC clients are available for Mac? What AIM/MSN/YIM clients? HTML and CSS editors? Does Gimp run on Mac?
2.) What's the latest Mac OS? Is it a real resource hog?
3.) How much does a full accidental damage warranty for a Mac cost? Can Mac tech support be contacted online?
4.) I'm sick of NVIDIA components. I've just had too many problems with them in my life. Are NVIDIA chips used in Macs?
5.) Is WiFi standard on Mac laptops these days? When I bought my G3 iBook, I had to buy the Airport Exterme card separately. Additionally, I regularly reside in locations with weak WiFi signals. Which Airport card would be best for long range/weak signal detection? Is bluetooth and ethernet standard on Macs?
6.) I am often on the move, and dragging my laptop with me. How sturdy are Mac laptops? Which laptops will scratch easily, and which are more stolid? How much would a good, sturdy laptop case go for?
7.) Are webcams/microphones standard on Macs? One of my favorite things about my current laptop is the plethora of USB/headphone ports. How many can I get on a Mac?
8.) How is the Mac networking software?
9.) What type of anti-theft systems can I get for a Mac? Lo-jack?
10.) I use my laptop 8-10 hours a day. I need whatever computer I have to run relatively quiet and relatively cool. How are Mac cooling systems?
11.) I'm on the move a lot. I need a computer that can go to sleep and wake up quickly. How fast can a Mac wake up from sleep mode?
12.) Are most of the Mac laptop ports on the sides of the laptop, or the back?
Thanks for your time.
EDIT:
13.) I've used my iPod Mini (It's ancient, I know) on Windows. Can it be converted to Mac? It's a sentimental item so I'd rather not retire it (Engraved for my graduation).
Message was edited by: Ephriam Grey

Ephriam Grey wrote:
(the failure progresses from a wifi card failure to a motherboard failure, apparently caused by the use of bad materials in the NVIDIA motherboard/HP overclocking of the AMD processor to sell it off as a more powerful machine).
I don't think the Mac will help you much with hardware failures. While Apple's failure rate is half that of PCs, the overall failure rate is still pretty low. If the failure is with some 3rd party product, such as a video card, the problem will affect any machine that uses said card - HPs and Macs.
Mac hardware quality is statistically twice as good as PCs, and there is documentation for this. All the other aspects of the hardware - style, ease-of-use, etc is much better than that of PCs -but that is a purely subjective opinion
So, I have been thinking about switching over to Mac. I used to have a G3 iBook (back when they were new), and I was quite unhappy with it. I'm hoping that I can get some feedback regarding the following questions. My budget is around 2,500 dollars.
That iBook was one of the few machines that had serious quality problems. Still, mine ran with no problems for 4 years. It was a nightmare to take apart though. You can buy quite a bit with $ 2500.
1.) Generally, when I'm on a computer it's to use Microsoft Office, IRC, AIM/MSN/YIM, HTML/CSS editors, Gimp and web surfing. I occasionally play computer games, but nothing too high end. What Mac laptop would best be suited for me?
The most expensive one you can afford. Macbooks can play games and do video, but it really heats up the CPU and the fans get quite loud. Macbook Pros are more powerful but seem to have more quality and software problems. (I can't verify this as I don't have one - I'm just repeating what I read here - a place known to be inaccurate).
Does Mac sell Microsoft Office 07 pre-installed? How expensive would that be?
I don't think you can get it pre-installed. Apple reserves that for Apple products. However, it is now quite cheap (barely $100) and very easy to install. Office 2008 is a .0 product and has some flakiness, but at least doesn't use the "ribbon". I like it.
What IRC clients are available for Mac?
No clue.
What AIM/MSN/YIM clients?
iChat is the best as it also does video. Adium will work with just about any protocol out there, but no video.
HTML and CSS editors?
Only a couple of hundred. Personally, I don't like my editors to do too much and get in my way. I actually do my web sites in Xcode and Safari. You'll have to find out which one you like the best.
Does Gimp run on Mac?
Yes, but why would you want to? I am an admitted anti-Adobe bigot, but I have to admit that Photoshop Elements put Gimp, Pixelmator, and all the other tools to shame. I use Corel Painter for some things that Elements can't do. I use Preview and PDF Clerk Pro for a few things that are outside Element's realm of image expertise.
2.) What's the latest Mac OS? Is it a real resource hog?
10.5.5. Yes, in objective terms, no, in relative terms. 2 GB RAM is the minimum. 4 would be better. RAM it cheap so don't skimp on it.
3.) How much does a full accidental damage warranty for a Mac cost?
I don't know about accidental damage. I know that is explicitly excluded from AppleCare.
Can Mac tech support be contacted online?
Don't know - never needed it in 20 years of owning Macs. I guess that might be a factor in deciding whether to switch.
4.) I'm sick of NVIDIA components. I've just had too many problems with them in my life. Are NVIDIA chips used in Macs?
NVIDIA is the graphics card for Macbook Pros. You might want to consider a Macbook or Macbook air. You will either 1) save lots of money or 2) be really stylish and cool. Either way you don't want to play too many games.
3rd party video has never been well supported on Macs. You might be able to get a different card for a Macbook Pro. Good luck.
5.) Is WiFi standard on Mac laptops these days?
Yes.
Which Airport card would be best for long range/weak signal detection?
It doesn't matter as you have no choice about that. Welcome to Apple. If you had to, you could get an external wifi adapter with maybe a range booster. If you have a Macbook Pro, you can use some wifi cards, but not all.
Is bluetooth and ethernet standard on Macs?
Yes, but only turn bluetooth on when you need it as it will make the Mac a little flaky.
6.) I am often on the move, and dragging my laptop with me. How sturdy are Mac laptops? Which laptops will scratch easily, and which are more stolid?
They seem more sturdy that the plastic PCs. The Macbooks are still plastic so they can get scratched and broken. But there are far fewer little plastic pieces, flaps, and doors to break than on a standard PC. The Air and Pro are both metal.
How much would a good, sturdy laptop case go for?
Same as in town.
7.) Are webcams/microphones standard on Macs?
Yes - built-in.
One of my favorite things about my current laptop is the plethora of USB/headphone ports. How many can I get on a Mac?
How many headphone ports do you need? My Macbook only has two USB ports, but they are both powered.
8.) How is the Mac networking software?
As Apple makes both computers, cards, and hubs, they focus on Apple equipment working correctly with Apple equipment. For everything else they just code to the published standards and hope the 3rd parties do the same. Many 3rd parties don't do the same and only test with their own cards running XP. Consequently, Mac wireless isn't going to be as reliable as PCs. Whose fault that is should be discussed elsewhere.
9.) What type of anti-theft systems can I get for a Mac? Lo-jack?
Same as in town. You would be wasting your money. Nobody ever gets their stuff back.
10.) I use my laptop 8-10 hours a day. I need whatever computer I have to run relatively quiet and relatively cool. How are Mac cooling systems?
Very good at dissipating excessive CPU heat onto your lap. A Macbook Pro might be better for that. Macbooks run hot and loud when you push them.
11.) I'm on the move a lot. I need a computer that can go to sleep and wake up quickly. How fast can a Mac wake up from sleep mode?
2-3 seconds?
12.) Are most of the Mac laptop ports on the sides of the laptop, or the back?
On my Macbook, all the ports are on the left. The CD is on the right.
13.) I've used my iPod Mini (It's ancient, I know) on Windows. Can it be converted to Mac? It's a sentimental item so I'd rather not retire it (Engraved for my graduation).
I don't see why not. It might be additional work to move your purchased music over to the Mac. The iPod will be easy.

Which one is the console port of a cisco catalyst 500 express ?

i cant find it anywhere ?

jillesmiedema,
I haven't used that type of Cisco switch myself but did some research and it looks like there is no console port on this switch. It appears to be set up via a GUI application.
See this link...
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/switches/ps5718/ps6545/product_data_sheet0900aecd80322aeb.html
which states this...
The Cisco Catalyst Express 500 Series switches are designed for ease of use. The switch is initialized through the GUI Device Manager; no console cable or terminal emulation application is needed
As far as help setting this switch up please see the following link which should get you started in the right direction...
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/lan/catalystexpress500/release_12.2_25_fy/quick/start/1708402.html
Hope this helps you out. Let us know how it goes.
Ryan

X-Server Crashes on Boot After Switch From Catalyst to Open Source ATI

Seems like there's a lot of similar stuff to this, but I've searched and googled and I haven't found anything that seems to apply directly to me. Please forgive me if there's a thread I've overlooked.
I recently wanted to give Catalyst a try, because I wanted to play a few old games in wine, and they didn't seem to work with the xf86 driver. It worked, the games played, but the instability wasn't worth it, so today I tried to go back. I followed the instructions for switching on the ATI wiki page, and now I have an xserver crash on boot, and somehow it's also wrecked my wifi.
I've tried everything in the "preparing for catalyst users" section on the wiki, and I've come up empty.
Obviously, as I can't get into X and there's no internet on that machine, I can't post my log file. If there's any info you people would find helpful, please ask.
Thanks.

The only way to get real help is to find a way around that. Arrange to use someone else's computer for a short time and copy your log file to that one. Also, why not rename your log and then post it by switching back to Catalyst to get back to your last "working state"?
As for the wireless problem, what happens when you run iwconfig? Common commands are:
Listing networks -- iwlist wlan0 scan
Connecting to one -- iwconfig wlan0 essid NAME && dhcpcd wlan0

Catalyst 500 series

hi,
i have a question regarding cisco 500 series switches and it is that if we want to shut down this switch remotely then is it possible or it has to be done manually by going to the switch location and disconnecting the power supply because i dont see a power off or shut down option if it is accessed remotely like from a pc.
regards
Ahmed

I don't think many devices are meant to be shutdown. As soon as there is power they run. That's what they are made for.
What do you wish to acomplish with the shutdown?
Cheers,
Michel

Making a switching choice - Catalyst 500/520/ESW Linksys SRW/SFE

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