Running Commands

Besides running Windows XP programs, you can also enter commands and run programs written in MS-DOS. MS-DOS stands for Microsoft Disk Operating System. MS-DOS, or DOS, employs a command-line interface through which you must type commands at a command prompt to run different tasks . A character such as a > or $ appears at the beginning of a command prompt. Each DOS command has a strict set of rules called a command syntax that you must follow when expressing a command. Many commands allow you to include switches and parameters that give you additional control of the command.

Run a Command

graphics/one_icon.jpg

Click the Start button, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.

graphics/two_icon.jpg

At the prompt, type a command including any parameters, and then press Enter.

graphics/three_icon.jpg

When you're done, click the Close button, or type exit , and then press Enter.

graphics/02inf32.jpg

Find a Command

graphics/one_icon.jpg

Click the Start button, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.

graphics/two_icon.jpg

At the prompt, type help , and then press Enter.

graphics/three_icon.jpg

Read the list of commands. Use the scroll bar or scroll arrows to display additional information.

graphics/four_icon.jpg

When you're done, click the Close button, or type exit , and then press Enter.

graphics/02inf33.jpg

Get Information About a Command

graphics/one_icon.jpg

Click the Start button, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.

graphics/two_icon.jpg

At the prompt, type a command followed by a space and /? , and then press Enter.

graphics/three_icon.jpg

Read the information about the command. Use the scroll bar or scroll arrows to display additional information.

graphics/four_icon.jpg

When you're done, click the Close button, or type exit , and then press Enter.

graphics/02inf34.jpg

Did You Know?

You can use a wildcard character to change more than one file . An asterisk is a wildcard and represents any number of characters . For example, the command dir at*.doc matchesat back.doc, ati.doc, and atlm.doc.

You can change the appearance of the Command Prompt window . Right-click the Command Prompt window title bar, and then click Properties.


Common DOS Commands

Command

Purpose

cd foldername

Changes to the specified folder

cls

Clears the screen

copy

Copies the specified files or folder

dir

Lists the contents of the current folder

c : (where c is a drive)

Switches to the specified drive

exit

Closes the Command Prompt window

rename

Renames the specified file or files

more filename

Displays the contents of a file, one screen of output at a time

type filename.txt

Displays the contents of the text file




Show Me Microsoft Windows XP
Show Me Microsoft Windows XP (2nd Edition)
ISBN: 0789733366
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2002
Pages: 391

flylib.com © 2008-2017.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net