Windows Command Line

Operating Systems

Labs 3, 4, 5

Commands

MS-DOS: Introduction

• Short for Microsoft Disk operating system, MS-DOS is a non-graphical command line operating system derived from 86-DOS that was created for IBM compatible computers.

• MS-DOS originally written by Tim Paterson and introduced by Microsoft in August 1981 and was last updated in 1994 when MS-DOS 6.22 was released.

• Today, MS-DOS is no longer used; however, the command shell, more commonly known as the Windows command line is still used by many users

MS-DOS: Introduction

• Today, most computer users are only familiar with how to navigate Microsoft Windows using the mouse.

• MS-DOS is a command-line and is navigated by using MS-DOS commands.

• For example, if you wanted to see all the files in a folder in Windows you would double-click the folder to open the folder in Windows Explorer.

• In Command Line, to view that same folder you would navigate to the folder using the cd command and then list the files in that folder using the dir command.

Why is it important to know DOS commands?

• DOS provides a convenient command-line for those situations where a graphical user interface (GUI) is less efficient or in situations where the GUI is simply not working.

• Command Prompt is most commonly used to execute batch files, perform advanced administrative functions, and troubleshoot and solve certain kinds of Windows issues.

• Useful also if working in Safe Mode.

Windows Error Recovery Console

Getting into CommandLine• One of two ways:

1. Go to Start and in Search box, Type• Command or• Cmd

2. Start /All Programs/Accessories

/Command Prompt

Some Commands

• Commands are not case sensitive.

• dir : lists files in directory• cd or chdir: change directory• md or mkdir: make a directory• rd or rmdir: remove a directory

Ref: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-MS-DOS

K:

cfy

Theory

CSM3 projects

DS

Practicals

Cfy-OpSys

Exams

Lab 1.docx

Lab 3.docx

Lab 2.docx

File System from before.

cd \cd DScd ..cd ..\Theorycd Cfy-OpSys\Examscd \cfy