Switches have several command modes. The default mode is User EXEC mode. The User EXEC mode is recognized by its prompt, which ends in a greater-than character (>). The commands available in User EXEC mode are limited to those that change terminal settings, perform basic tests, and display system information. Figure describes the show commands that are available in User EXEC mode.

The enable command is used to change from User EXEC mode to Privileged EXEC mode. Privileged EXEC mode is also recognized by its prompt, which ends in a pound-sign character (#). The Privileged EXEC mode command set includes those commands allowed in User EXEC mode, as well as the configure command. The configure command allows other command modes to be accessed. Because these modes are used to configure the switch, access to Privileged EXEC mode should be password protected to prevent unauthorized use. If the system administrator has set a password, then users are prompted to enter the password before being granted access to Privileged EXEC mode. The password does not appear on the screen, and is case sensitive.