Finding the IOS software release On a Cisco router, which EXEC command shows the running IOS version along with platform details and uptime?

Introduction / Context:
Knowing the exact Cisco IOS version helps with feature verification, bug checks, and compatibility planning. The router provides several show commands, but only one displays the software image version string, build information, uptime, and often the system bootstrap and configuration register in one place.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• You have user or privileged EXEC access to the router.
• You need to view the current IOS version running in RAM.
• Flash contents and running configuration are separate concerns.

Concept / Approach:

The command show version reports the IOS image name and version, device uptime, processor type, memory, and configuration register. While show flash can list stored images, and show running-config shows configuration, neither displays the active software release as clearly as show version.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Cross-check image filename reported by show version with files listed by show flash to confirm where the image was booted from. If ROMMON boot is suspected, the output also indicates the ROM monitor version.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• sh IOS and sh software are not standard IOS commands.
• sh flash lists images in storage but not necessarily the active version.
• sh running-config displays configuration, not the software release.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing stored images with the running image; a router can have multiple images in flash.
• Overlooking configuration register settings that might affect next boot behavior.

Final Answer:

sh version