How does GNS-3 work

Hi Fellas!
I am in a small fix. Just got GNS-3 and i have no idea how it works. I'm used to packet tracer and this is just out of my league. It keeps on requesting me to load an IOS version for the routers? Where do i get them?
Then it asks me to test the path with dynamips, whats going on here?
I really wanna get used to another network simulator apart from packet tracer.
Anyone with tutorials from scratch for GNS-3? Please help me understand this?
Thanx in advance peeps!

You will need a real Cisco IOS image file, the same used on real routers. If you don't have a real router with an IOS image in it's flash, then you will have to find a way to obtain an IOS image for you.

Sorry, can't post such links here as IOS images are copyrighted. Good luck.

S0lo, I think you know more than a lot of us about GNS3, why don't you put a tutorial about it.
And since you like howstuffworks you can name it "How GNS3 Works?"

I think as a website for Cisco Lab, tutorials regarding packet tracer and GNS3 is essential.

So what do you think?

I totally support that. This being a networking forum, we ought to know more than just packet tracer.

So what d'ya say SOLO? Help us out with a tutorial

Alans, Losh,

I think thats a nice idea . Although there are already many tutorials out there. hmmm, I will start thinking about it, may be we could add an article to the fw.cx knowledgebase. But I can't promise any thing. I'm currently studying for my CCNA Wireless cert so it'll take time. In the mean time, these links might help:

1. This is a tutorial for starters on GNS3, make sure you click on HQ so you can the see small words clearly:


2. Allot of video guides on GNS3, browse the previous pages as they contain simpler labs, click the article you want then click the "watch video" button:
www.blindhog.net/category/gns3/

3. GNS3 labs: www.gns3-labs.com/

Notice here that you might have a newer version than the version used in some videos so the GUI need not be exactly the same, but usually similar.

Man it took me a whole weekend to learn GNS3 and get it working correctly. lol..

I really use Packet Tracer for most of my sims but I know once I get deeper into the CCNP training, I'll need to migrate over to GNS3.

I was able to get my ASDM to work with a PIX on my GN3 model though. That's pretty cool.