Table Of Contents
Q&A
Q&A
CiscoWorks for Windows 6.1
Q. 
What is CiscoWorks for Windows?
A. CiscoWorks for Windows is a Web-based network management solution that provides a powerful set of monitoring tools for small workgroups containing Cisco networking products (switches, routers, hubs, and access servers).
CiscoWorks for Windows contains the following components:
•CiscoView 5.4—Provides graphical views of the physical back and front panels of a Cisco device with dynamic, color-coded graphical displays to simplify device-status monitoring; device-specific component diagnostics, device configuration, and application launching
•What's Up Gold 7.03 from Ipswitch, Inc.—Provides network discovery, mapping, monitoring, and alarm tracking
•Threshold Manager—Enhances the ability to set thresholds on Cisco Remote Monitoring
•(RMON)-enabled devices, reducing management overhead and improving troubleshooting capabilities
•Show Commands—Displays detailed router system and protocol information without requiring the user to remember complex Cisco IOS® Software command-line languages or syntax
Q. What is the difference between CiscoWorks for Windows version 6.1 and version 6.0?
A. CiscoWorks for Windows version 6.1 release is intended to improve performance of the different applications in the suite. The network discovery mechanism, reporting architecture, and map rendering areas have been re-engineered to improve performance and device support scalability.
Q. What features are provided in the new version of CiscoWorks for Windows?
A. Popular features in the current version include:
•Web interface for all applications
•Desktop launch point integration between all applications
•Improved security for the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) trap receiver and Apache Web server
•Hierarchical maps available on both console and client
•Autodiscovery of devices using an improved SNMP implementation that simplifies map creation and improves communication with devices.
•Show Commands and Threshold Manager provide user templates and allow for user customization
•Web-based updating of device packages makes it easier to add product support for newly purchased Cisco devices
Q. What is WhatsUp Gold?
A. WhatsUp Gold is a network discovery, mapping, monitoring, and notification tool from Ipswitch, Inc. WhatsUp Gold is a component of CiscoWorks for Windows 6.1. Primary features include:
•Graphical display and monitoring of multiple network maps
•Autodiscovery of network devices
•Remote notification by beeper, pager, e-mail, or prerecorded telephone messages
•Monitoring of a wide range of network elements, including hosts, servers, workstations, bridges, routers, hubs, and printers
•Monitoring of user-defined services
•Basic SNMP functions (receive and log traps, generate notifications, and view information)
•Reporting on performance, events, and statistics
Q. Can CiscoWorks for Windows manage a multivendor network?
A. Through WhatsUp Gold, CiscoWorks for Windows 6.1 provides monitoring tools for a wide range of network elements. However, the CiscoView graphical configuration tool and others in the CiscoWorks for Windows suite applications are targeted toward Cisco devices specifically.
Q. Are there any changes to Show commands and Threshold Manager functionality?
A. No, both Show Commands and Threshold Manager continue to have the same user interface and provide the same robust capabilities that were available in CiscoWorks for Windows 6.0.
Q. Is CiscoWorks for Windows Web-based?
A. Yes. CiscoWorks for Windows is Web-based, which means that it is accessible from any browser within the network. This feature is convenient for remote troubleshooting or for network administrators who telecommute.
Q. How is CiscoWorks for Windows different from the CiscoWorks Small Network Management Solution?
A. The CiscoWorks Small Network Management Solution provides WhatsUp Gold fully integrated with Cisco Resource Manager Essentials (RME) for Windows, providing an integrated set of tools for managing and monitoring a small enterprise network of 20 devices or fewer. This functionality is not provided in the CiscoWorks for Windows product.
Q. Can a CiscoWorks for Windows customer upgrade to CiscoWorks Small Network Management Solution?
A. No. An upgrade from CiscoWorks for Windows to CiscoWorks Small Network Management Solution is not provided at this time.
Q. Can I upgrade from CiscoWorks for Windows 5.0?
A. Yes. Customers who have CiscoWorks for Windows 5.0 are eligible to purchase the CiscoWorks for Windows 6.1 Upgrade kit. Users who are currently using Windows 95 or Windows 98 as platforms for installing CiscoWorks for Windows 5.0 need to upgrade their machines and operating systems to the minimum system requirements specified later in this Q&A document. For a current listing of CiscoWorks for Windows products, visit the online pricing tool at http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/front.x/pricing (type "cww" into the product number field).
Q. What about updates from CiscoWorks for Windows 6.0?
A. CiscoWorks for Windows 6.0 users can update to CiscoWorks for Windows 6.1. Existing CiscoWorks for Windows 6.0 customers with current Software Application Support (SAS) contracts can request the associated update kit using their service contract number at www.cisco.com/upgrade beginning July 3, 2002. Customers not under a service contract can place an update order using the part number CWW-6.1-WIN-MR through their normal Cisco sales channels beginning July 3, 2002.
Q. Will the "upgrade," mean a fresh installation or will the application migrate data from the older version to the new?
A. Yes. CiscoWorks for Windows 6.1 will migrate the data from Version 5.0 and 6.0. However, some device specific settings may need to be recreated.
Q. Do I need to use CiscoWorks for Windows with other network management products?
A. No, CiscoWorks for Windows 6.1 is a comprehensive network management solution that provides monitoring and configuration tools for smaller and medium-sized networks. It does not have any dependencies.
Q. Will CiscoWorks for Windows 6.1 integrate with HP OpenView or Computer Associates Unicenter TNG?
A. No. CiscoWorks for Windows comes with a complete set of tools, including WhatsUp Gold, a network monitoring system.
Q. Who would benefit from using CiscoWorks for Windows?
A. CiscoWorks for Windows 6.1 is appropriate for:
•Small workgroups
•Departmental networks within enterprises
•Enterprise branch offices
Q. How many Cisco devices can CiscoWorks for Windows manage?
A. CiscoWorks for Windows 6.1 can reasonably manage hundreds of devices, but it is ideal for networks with 10-30 devices.
Q. What are the system requirements?
A. 600-MHz Pentium-based IBM PC or compatible computer
128-MB RAM total
1 GB free hard drive space
CD-ROM drive for installation
Windows NT 4.0, or Windows 2000
Netscape 4.77 and 4.78 or Internet Explorer 5.5 with Service Pack 1
Q. How is CiscoWorks for Windows different from other CiscoWorks products?
A. CiscoWorks for Windows is a comprehensive network management solution for small to medium-sized networks. CiscoWorks for Windows 6.1 provides a set of low-cost tools for monitoring and configuring smaller networks. CiscoWorks is a family of network management products for the enterprise size network to simplify the job of a trained network management staff.
