Using Some Timesavers

Two options that can help you save time are the F3 key and the DOSKEY command.

The F3 key displays the last command that you typed. The F3 key can save you time when you are using the same lengthy command repeatedly and need only to change the variables slightly each time.

The DOSKEY command keeps a history of the commands that you have typed. You access it by pressing the Up arrow (≠) and Down arrow keys (Ø) on the keypad. When using a set of commands repeatedly-for example, when creating and moving files-DOSKEY can save a significant amount of time that otherwise would have been spent typing.

Test It Out: Using the F3 Key, DOSKEY, TIME, and DATE Commands

In this exercise, you learn how to apply new timesaving DOS commands in addition to resetting the time and date of your system. You will need to use some of the commands that you have learned in previous sections. Refer back to those sections if you forget a command.

1. From a DOS prompt, type DOSKEY and press Enter. You will see the message DOSKey installed displayed.

2. Type several of the commands that you have learned about in this chapter.

3. Press the F3 key to display the last command that you typed.

4. Use the Up arrow (≠) and Down arrow (Ø) keys on the keypad to view the history of the commands you have issued since you invoked DOSKEY.

5. From a DOS prompt, type TIME. If the time is correct, press Enter. If not, type the correct time and press Enter.

6. From a DOS prompt, type DATE. If the date is correct, press Enter. If not, type the correct date and press Enter.

batch file

A file that contains a set of commands to be executed by the operating system AUTOEXEC.BAT is one example of a batch file that is executed during the final stages of the boot process All batch files end in BAT.

Tip 

Another useful DOS command is CLS. When you type CLS at the command prompt, it clears the current screen and leaves you with a DOS prompt.