The Cisco Configuration Preamble

enable places you in admin/root mode

Notice that the prompt changes to reflect the level you are in, in this case from Router# to Router (config)#

Notice that the prompt changes from > to # just like in Linux

configure terminal or conf t places you in configuration mode

The hostname command allows you to name your device

The enable secret command allows you to place an encrypted password on the enable command

Banner motd $ message $ allows you to create a Message of the Day for all people logging into the device