MS-DOS COMMAND

BY: MUTHUSELVAM.C

MS-DOS basics:

What is MS-DOS? MS-DOS stands for Microsoft Disk Operating System. MS-DOS controls the computers hardware and provides an environment for programs to run. This system program must always be present when working with your computer. Why You Need MS-DOS There are a variety of reasons why you need MS-DOS. A few of them are listed below to satisfy your curiosity. 1. Windows is built upon MS-DOS and it is easy and fast to learn programming under MS-DOS as compared to Windows. So, it is good for beginners 2. MS-DOS controls the flow of information between you and the computer (translator). 3. MS-DOS allows you to store information on your computer. 4. MS-DOS allows you to retrieve information stored on your computer. 5. MS-DOS interprets and translates the software you have on your computer. 6. MS-DOS gives you access to all its function (i.e. saving, copying, and printing files). 2

This small introduction gives us an opportunity to try basic MS-DOS commands. By following the procedures in this unit and the self study file, you will learn to:

View the contents of a directory Change from one directory to another Create and delete directories Change from one drive to another Copy files Rename files Delete files Format a floppy disk

NOTE: Students have to use the DOS self-study file provided along with this unit for detailed understanding of Commands.

MS-DOS Timeline

Year 12/1979 07/1981 09/1982 03/1983 11/1983 12/1983 09/1984 11/1984 04/1986

DOS Version QDOS 86-DOS MS-DOS 1.25 MS-DOS 2.0 MS-DOS 2.01 MS-DOS 2.11 MS-DOS 3.0 MS-DOS 3.1 MS-DOS 3.2

MS-DOS Timeline
04/1987 04/1988 07/1988 11/1988 04/1989 04/1991

MS-DOS 3.3 MS-DOS 3.31 MS-DOS 4.0 MS-DOS 4.01 MS-DOS 4.01a MS-DOS 5.0

03/1993
11/1993 04/1994

MS-DOS 6.0
MS-DOS 6.2 MS-DOS 6.22

MS DOS-COMMAND TYPE
Internal

Command External Command

Brief Description of Internal MS-DOS commands (Source: MS-DOS 6.22 Fasthelp) BREAK Sets or clears extended CTRL+C checking. CALL Calls one batch program from another. CHDIR Displays the name of or changes the current directory. CD Displays the name of or changes the current directory. CLS Clears the screen. COPY Copies one or more files to another location. DATE Displays or sets the date. DEL Deletes one or more files. ERASE Deletes one or more files. DIR Displays a list of files and subdirectories in a directory. EXIT Quits the COMMAND.COM program (command interpreter).

Brief Description of Internal MS-DOS commands continues.

MD Creates a directory. RENAME Renames a file or files. REN Renames a file or files. RMDIR Removes a directory. RD Removes a directory.

Brief Description of Internal MS-DOS commands continues.

TIME Displays or sets the system time. TYPE Displays the contents of a text file. VER Displays the MS-DOS version. VOL Displays a disk volume label and serial number.

Basic DOS &UNIX commands

DOS Command Unix Command Descriptions CD CHKDSK CLS COPY DEL DIR MD MORE PRINT RD RENAME TYPE cd du clear cp rm ls mkdir more lpr rmdir mv cat Change directory Disk usage Clear the current screen Copying files Removing files or directories File listing of directories Create a directory Type out a file with paging Print out a file Remove a directory Moving files around Type out files

EXTERNAL

commands

External commands are MS-DOS utilities / programs. These are the .EXE or .COM programs located on your hard drive. They are normally placed under C:\DOS, the default directory. MSDOS will load external commands if and only if you instruct to execute them at the DOS prompt and /or in a batch program. 1.F DISK - Create a new partition( like C: D).

2.FORMAT- Prepare the disk.( as track and sector). 3.XCOPY - Copy multiple files at the time. 4.ATTRIB - Change the attribution value of files and folder( like read only and hidden).

MS-DOS COMMAND ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

Development purpose
Single-user, stand-alone desktop computers

Advantages
Fundamental operation Straightforward user commands

Disadvantages
Lack of flexibility Lack of ability to meet programmer and

experienced user needs

Understanding Operating Systems, Fifth Edition 13

THANK YOU..