Getting Started With Packet Tracer 3

When you open Packet Tracer 3, you will by default be presented with a blank workspace, and you can immediately create a new network. You may at any point save this network by going to the "File" menu and choosing "Save" or "Save As". Note that Packet Tracer 3 does not currently support keyboard shortcuts. From the "File" menu, you may also open an existing network by choosing "Open", or start a new network by choosing "New".

Note about undoing: unfortunately, Packet Tracer 3 does not have the ability to undo actions in case you make a mistake. You would need to correct them manually. Therefore, it is a good idea to save often so you can always go back to a network's last saved state.

Packet Tracer 3 has two essential modes of operation: Topology Mode (where you edit networks) and Simulation Mode (where you run the network). You may switch between these modes by clicking on the "Topology" and "Simulation" tabs.

Packet Tracer 3 also has two editing modes: Simple Mode (the default), and Expert Mode. These modes toggles the tradeoff between ease of use and the details of configuration for this program. In Simple Mode, you can quickly create networks and run simulations without needing to deal with a lot of configuration dialog menus. Many parameters are automatically set or chosen, and you only have to manually set important parameters such the IP address and Subnet Mask for a port on a device. In Expert Mode however, you must configure all pare meters manually. You may switch between these two modes by going to the "Options" menu and turn on or off the "Simple Mode" option. More information regarding Simple/Expert Mode is explained in the following sections.

Packet Tracer 3 offers support for several languages, but requires your operating system to have the appropriate international language fonts to display them correctly. You may change the language by going to "Options" ---> "Languages".

Other options available in Packet Tracer 3 are the "Sound" and "Animation" options. You may turn these on to fully experience this program, or if it runs sluggishly, you may turn them off. Turning off animation will disable the connection line tracker, and disable animated packet movements. Turning off sound will disable all sounds.