Bit of a long shot but I reckon there are loads of Cisco gurus here so no harm in asking

I've always configured Cisco switches over the CLI just as it's a habit and makes copy/pasting and scripting pretty easy. By switches, I mean anything from a Catalyst 2900 to a modular 6500, all running IOS (I dont' do CatOS!). I havent' dabbled with Nexus yet btw.

However, I wondered if any one could recommend some software (preferably free) that can assist in the configuration by offering syntax colouring, etc.

I have looked at PacketTrap software and don't know if the eval then prevents you from accessing basic Cisco configurations.

The software would be installed on my laptop and needs to be site independent. I can't have a full blown whatsup or other heavy site network management apps unless they're lightweightish and support multiple sites (as I'm always moving from one site to another).

So if you have any recommendations, I'm all ears.

do you mean something like packet tracer? offical Cisco software? a quick google found a few download sites....

http://www.ebook4all.org/packet-tracer-version-5-3-software-downloads/