Click photo to enlarge  NEW YORK -- Cisco Systems (CSCO), the
world's largest maker of computer networking gear, said Tuesday
that U.S. companies are starting to spend again, helping Cisco
find more solid footing after some shaky months early this year.
That helped make up for continued weakness in Europe, where
economic turmoil is still causing a big drop-off in orders.
"The U.S. has to lead the total globe out of this slowdown. It's
not going to come from Europe. While we were all hopeful about
emerging countries, they just aren't going to be strong enough,"
CEO John Chambers said.  The company's stock rose $1.19, or 7.1
percent, to $18.04 in extended trading Tuesday.  Cisco made $2.1
billion, or 39 cents per share, in its fiscal first quarter,
which ended Oct. 27. That compares with $1.8 billion, or 33
cents per share, in the same period a year ago.   Excluding the
cost of stock-based compensation and certain other items, Cisco
would have earned 48 cents per share. On that basis, Cisco's
earnings were 2