Cisco Certified Technician Practice Test

The process of executing 'copy startup running (merge)' involves transferring information from the startup configuration file stored in NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) to the running configuration stored in RAM (Random Access Memory).

NVRAM is where the device retains its configuration settings even when powered off, making it non-volatile. On the other hand, RAM is used for the running configuration, which is the active configuration the device uses while it is powered on and operational. By merging the startup configuration with the running configuration, the device combines the existing configurations in RAM with those present in NVRAM, allowing for modifications to be merged without completely overwriting the current operational settings.

This merging capability is important for incorporating changes from a saved configuration into the active running configuration, enabling administrators to make adjustments without losing their current operational settings.