Windows uses hyperteminal ..what does Linux use to talk with Cisco?

If you are connecting to the console of the device then you need a rollover console cable...usually light blue in color. You connect the console cable to the CONSOLE port on the router or switch and the other end to the serial port on your computer. If you don't have a serial port you can purchase a USB to serial adapter for about 15 dollars. Next you need an interface such as Hyperterminal...personally I like teraterm. It is free to use and works great as a console program. You will need to setup TeraTerm for 9600 baud 8 data bits 1 stop bit and NO FLOW CONTROL. That is the default setting for any Cisco console device. If you are using linux you will most likely use a program called MINICOM for connecting to the serial port. It can be difficult to setup if you are a LINUX newbie, however it works just as good as other programs.