OPERATING SYSTEM

An operating system is software or a set of programs, which provide the environment to a

user for the easy use of computer.

DOS

Disk Operating System is an operating system, which makes computer useable, it is a

program that has to be loaded to initialize computer. The single user operating system used in
microcomputers is called DOS because it controls the storage of information and detail on
disks.

Tasks for DOS,

 To control input and output devices

 To enable user to load and execute program

 To maintain an orderly system of data on the disk

DOS COMMANDS

There are two types of DOS commands,

 Internal Commands

 External Commands

DOS INTERNAL COMMANDS

The internal DOS commands are those commands, which are loaded automatically during
boot up process and are present in the computer memory. Internal commands (DOS disk is
not needed use any time except when you are in software package).

1. CLS

This command is used to clear the screen

C:\>CLS Enter.

2. DATE

This command is used to check date it allows us to change the date. Enter the date in the
format mm-dd-yy.

C:\>DATE Enter

Enter again.

3. TIME
This command is used to check current time it allows us to change time.

To check the current time,

Type TIME press Enter

C:\>TIME Enter

To change time enter new time in the format of hh:mm:ss.

Press Enter again.

4. DIR (DISK INFORMATION REPORT)

This command is used to see the list of files and directories it displays one directory or file
name per line including the file extention. It also displays the total number of files listed and
free space remaining on the disk.

C:\>DIR Enter

This command can be used in different ways.

C:\>DIR/P Enter

To display list of directories and files page by page.

C:\>DIR/W Enter

To display list of directories and files widthwise.

C:\>DIR/AA Enter

To display all files only.

C:\>DIR/AD Enter

To display all directories only

C:\>DIR/S Enter

To display all directories and sub-directories.

C:\>DIR/L Enter

To display list of directories in small letters.

C:\>DIR/ON Enter

To display directories in alphabetical order.

C:\>DIR/O-N Enter

To display directories in reverse alphabetical order.

C:\>DIR *. * Enter

To see list of all files of all directories.

C:\>DIR A*.* Enter

To see list of files with names.

5. COPY CON

This command is used to create a new file.

C:\>COPY CON filename Enter.

After pressing Enter you have a new file now you can write your syntax and save file with
(Ctrl+Z).

6. TYPE

This command is used to display the contents of any txt file.

C:\>TYPE Filename Enter

7. DEL

This command is used to delete file.

C:\>DEL Filename Enter.

8. MD

This command is used to make a new directory.

C:\>MD directory name Enter

e.g.

C:\>CD WITSPIRIT Enter

C:\WITSPIRIT>

For making sub-directory

C:\WITSPIRIT>MD ISLAMABAD Enter

9. CD
This command is used to change current directory.

C:\>CD Directory name Enter

C:\>CD.. (Change to main directory)

10. CHANGE DRIVE

This command is used to change the current drive.

C: Enter Changes to C drive.

D: Enter Changes to D drive.

11. RD

This command is used to remove a directory.

C:\>RD Directory name Enter

DOS EXTERNAL COMMANDS

These commands are not present in the computer’s memory but these exists as separate files
on the disk. Whenever you type an external command it is first loaded in the RAM and then
execute.

1. TREE

This command is used to Graphically display the path of each directory and sub-directory

On the drive.

C:\>TREE Directory name or drive Enter

e.g.

C:\>TREE C: Enter

It will show the directory structure.

2. DELTREE

This command is used to delete a directory completely with all its contents.

C:\>DELTREE Directory name Enter.

3. UNDELETE

This command is used to restore the last deleted file.

C:\>UNDELETE Filename.ext Enter

4. LABEL

This command is used to display, create or change the label or name of disk.

C:\>LABEL Enter

5. CHKDSK

This command is used to display a status report for a disk.

C:\>CHKDSK C: Enter