NVRAM
NVRAM is that router component in which start up configuration file is stored.
It will boot into ROMMON mode. It will ignore the start-up configuration file. It will look for the start-up configuration file on the TFTP server. It will attempt to load the start-up configuration file that is stored in NVRAM.
NVRAM
Setup Mode
The configuration that will be loaded on start up.
Cisco routers come with some very basic configuration pre installed. This configuration includes internal controls that allow the user to set up the correct networks for their environments.
A crossover cable. Some call them console cables.
Ubuntu: system-config-printer brings up a GUI printer configuration
ATP
Turning off the router will not mess up the settings on the router. When you configure the router, it sames the information in memory. Some routers you must reset manually. Your configuration can be modified, but what ever settings you make are stored. Turn it off as much as you like. Sometimes if things get slow, turning the router off and restarting it will clean up some problems because it clears the cashe.
Yes, you can. You can set up as many routers as want as far as your internet bandwidth can support it.
AFAIK routers are omni-directional. Though these days its not uncommon to buy routers with detachable ariels. So it wouldn't be a big deal to hook up a cantenna.