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Cisco NetSpace System Recommendations
Last updated 4 January 2013
This document lists hardware and software recommendations to help Cisco Networking Academy

instructors and
students access the Cisco NetSpace learning environment successfully.
Recommended System Setup
The recommendations listed in this document will help ensure you can access all the features of the Cisco
NetSpace site, curricula, and assessment server through your desktop or laptop computer.
Not e: If your system and browser do not meet the minimum requirements listed below, you are likely to
experience issues when accessing Networking Academy course content.
To access the most recent version of this list, follow these steps:
1. Sign into Cisco NetSpace
2. Select Program > Equipment Information
3. Click the Software Installation and Configuration link
4. Download the Cisco NetSpace System Recommendations PDF file
System Recommendations and Guidelines
Please adhere to the following recommendations to access Networking Academy content and assessments
through NetSpace. Problems may result from using incompatible or outdated systems or components.
Hardware Recommendations
Component Specifications
Processor Intel Processor Pentium 4, equivalent or higher
Memory 1.0GB or higher of installed RAM
Hard Dri ve 80 GB or higher of available hard drive space
Display Resolution 1024 x 768 or higher
Network Card 10/100/1000 Ethernet card and/or wireless network adapter
Peripherals Video card
Sound card
CD/DVD drive
Software Recommendations
Component Specifications
Operating System* Microsoft Windows 7/XP/Vista
Linux kernel version 2.6
Supported Web Browser* NetSpace performance is best with the two most recent versions of the following browsers:
Mozilla Firefox
Google Chrome
Internet Explorer**
We currently recommend the Firefox and Chrome browsers for the best user experience.


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Mobile Operating
Systems
iOS (iPad or iPhone): The NetSpace classroom environment can be accessed through the
Canvas for iOS application. Instructors can also use the Speedgrader application to grade
assignments. Both applications can be downloaded from the App Store.
Android: Android versions of the NetSpace classroom environment will be available in early
2013.
Applications and Plug-Ins
for Viewing Course
Content
Adobe Reader (Windows and Linux)
Evince (Linux)
Adobe Flash Player (Windows and Linux)
Java Version 6
Apple Quick Time 7
Packet Tracer 5.x (Windows and Linux)
Terminal Emulation
Application
PuTTy (Windows and Linux)
Tera Term (Windows)
.DOC Reader Microsoft Office (Windows)
OpenOffice.org (Windows, Linux)
Drawing and Diagrams Visio 2007 Viewer (Windows, viewing only)
Dia (Windows and Linux, viewing and creating drawings and diagrams)
Wireshark (Windows and Linux)
*If you experience any functionality problems with a listed operating system or browser, please open a ticket with
the NetAcad Support Desk. Please include as much detail as possible, including minor revision #s and service
packs. Please note that Mac OS is also supported.
**After March 31, 2013 Internet Explorer 8 will not be a supported Web browser for NetSpace. It is recommended
that Internet Explorer users upgrade to Internet Explorer version 9 or 10.
Desktop and Laptop Recommendations for Cisco

Packet Tracer
Component Specifications
Operating System Microsoft Windows 7/XP/Vista
Linux kernel version 2.6
Processor Intel Pentium II 500 MHz or greater
Memory 256 MB or more of RAM
Hard Dri ve 300 MB of available disk space
Screen Resolution 1024 x 768 or higher
Peripherals Sound card and speakers
56K dial up or faster (if using the multiuser feature)
System Recommendations for Cisco CCNA

Discovery and Eagle Servers

Component Specifications
Processor Intel Pentium 4 or higher
Memory 512 MB of RAM (if run from hard drive)
1 GB of RAM (if run from CD)
Hard Dri ve 10 GB of available disk space (if installed on PC)
CD/DVD 48X and Linux compatible
Graphics Card Linux compatible
NIC Card Linux compatible


2013 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public. Page 3 of 3
Additional Software Recommendations
The applications listed below are not required for the Networking Academy curricula. Some lab exercises may ask
students to download one or more of the following applications. This list of applications is not comprehensive and
versions may change. Students may access these applications for supplemental learning and practice.
Application Description
Cisco Network Assistant Simplifies configuration, management, and troubleshooting of Cisco networks. This application
includes a user-friendly GUI which makes it easier for network administrators to apply common
services, generate inventory reports, synchronize passwords, and employ features across Cisco
switches, routers, and access points.
Cisco Configuration
Professional
Web-based device-management tool for Cisco routers that can improve the productivity of network
managers, simplify router deployments, and help troubleshoot complex network and VPN
connectivity issues.
SolarWinds TFTP Server Multi-threaded TFTP server commonly used to upload and download executable images and
configurations to routers and switches.
Kiwi Syslog Server (Trial
Version)
Manages syslog messages from network devices and displays them in real time.
NeoTrace Pro Traceroute program that shows how packets travel from one computer to another computer over
the Internet by displaying all nodes between a computer and the trace target.
Network Stumbler Used for the detection of wireless networks.
Microsoft Baseline
Security Anal yzer
Designed to identify potential security issues related to Microsoft operation systems, updates, and
applications.

Google Earth Tool used to display Earth as a 3D image.
Mozilla Thunderbird Full featured email client.

PC Virtualization
Software
Allows users to run multiple PC operating systems all on one workstation.
Microsoft Virtual PC 2007
VirtualBox (Windows and Linux)
VMWare Server
Browser Language and Character Set Requirements
Cisco Networking Academy supports several languages. To properly view these languages, you may need to
change your browser's character set to Unicode (UTF-8).