| 8.3 |  | Getting Started |
| 8.3.3 |  | Examine PIX Security Appliance status |

| Now that some of the basic configuration steps have been examined, this section will discuss how to view the status of the PIX Security Appliance. The following are some basic troubleshooting and performance monitoring commands:

1. The show memory command displays a summary of the maximum physical memory and current free memory available to the PIX Security Appliance operating system .
2. The show version command can be used to display the PIX Security Appliance software version, operating time since the last reboot, processor type, Flash memory type, interface boards, serial number (BIOS identification), and activation key value .
3. The show ip address command enables users to view which IP addresses are assigned to the network interfaces .
4. The show interface command is one of the most common and useful troubleshooting commands available to the network administrator. This command enables the viewing of a significant amount of network interface information in a very compact space. It is one of the first commands that should be used when trying to establish connectivity .
5. The show cpu usage command displays the CPU usage .
6. The ping command for the PIX Security Appliance is identical to the ping command for Cisco routers and is used for the same purpose. The ping command determines if the PIX Security Appliance has connectivity, or if a host is available or visible to the PIX Security Appliance on the network .

When issuing a show command with output which extends beyond one terminal screen, there are several keystrokes necessary to navigate the output as shown in Figure .

Detailed information on each command and its syntax is provided in the online Command Reference.

PIX Security Appliance command history
The PIX Security Appliance user interface provides a history, or record, of commands that have been entered . This feature is particularly useful for recalling long or complex commands or entries. To recall commands in the history buffer, beginning with the most recent command, press Ctrl-P or the up arrow key repeatedly to recall successively older commands. To return to more recent commands in the history buffer, after recalling commands with Ctrl-P or the up arrow, press Ctrl-N or the down arrow key repeatedly to recall successively more recent commands.

On most computers additional select and copy functions may be available. A previous command string can be copied and then pasted or inserted it as the current command entry. The Ctrl-Z can be used to exit of configuration mode.

| Lab Activity Lab Exercise: Configure the PIX Security Appliance In this lab exercise, students will complete the following tasks:

- Execute general maintenance commands
- Configure the inside and outside interfaces of the PIX Security Appliance
- Test and verify basic PIX Firewall operation

| Lab Activity e-Lab Activity: show Commands In this activity, the student will demonstrate how to use the show commands to learn about the configuration of your PIX Security Appliance.