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DOS TUTORIAL : THE BASICS<\/u><\/strong> <\/a>Hardware and Software Differences<\/strong> <\/a>What is DOS?<\/strong> <\/a>Why You Need DOS<\/strong> <\/a>Set the Date and Time<\/strong> <\/a>\u00a0Check the Date and Time<\/strong> <\/a>Directory Command<\/strong> Directions:<\/u> <\/a>Scroll Through the Directory Listing<\/strong> <\/a>Pause a Directory Listing<\/strong> <\/a>\u00a0View a Wide Listing of Files<\/strong> <\/a>Print a Directory Listing<\/strong> <\/a>Check for a Single File<\/strong> <\/a>Check for a Group of Files<\/strong> <\/a>List Files with the Same Extensions<\/strong> <\/a>Clear the Screen<\/strong> <\/a>Create a File with DOS<\/strong> <\/a>Copy a File<\/strong> <\/a>Copy a File with a New Extension<\/strong> <\/a>Type a File with DOS<\/strong> <\/a>Rename a File<\/strong> <\/a>Rename a Group of Files<\/strong> <\/a>Move to a Subdirectory<\/strong> <\/a>Set the DOS Prompt<\/strong> <\/a>Move to the Parent Directory<\/strong>
\nCompilation by Lisa Lemieux, UC Call Center
\nTable of Contents<\/strong>
\nI. Lesson 1
\n\u00a0 A. Hardware and Software differences.<\/a>
\nB. What is DOS?<\/a>
\n\u00a0 C. Why You Need DOS.<\/a>
\n\u00a0 D. Set the Date and Time.<\/a>
\n\u00a0 E. Check the Date and Time.<\/a>
\nII. Lesson 2
\n\u00a0 A. Directory Command.<\/a>
\n\u00a0 B. Scroll Through the Directory Listing.<\/a>
\n\u00a0 C. Pause a Directory Listing.<\/a>
\n\u00a0 D. View a Wide Listing of Files.<\/a>
\n\u00a0 E. Recall a DOS Command.<\/a>
\n\u00a0 F. Print a Directory Listing.<\/a>
\n\u00a0 G. Check for a Single File.<\/a>
\n\u00a0 H. Check for a Group of Files.<\/a>
\n\u00a0 I. List Files with the Same Extension.<\/a>
\n\u00a0 J. Clear the Screen.<\/a>
\nIII. Lesson 3
\n\u00a0 A. Create a DOS File.<\/a>
\n\u00a0 B. Copy a File.<\/a>
\n\u00a0 C. Copy a File with a New Extension.<\/a>
\nD. Type a File with DOS.<\/a>
\nE. Rename a File<\/a>
\nF. Rename a Group of Files<\/a> <\/u>
\nIV. Lesson 4
\nA. Create a Subdirectory.<\/a>
\nB. Move to a Subdirectory.<\/a>
\nC. Set the DOS Prompt.<\/a>
\nD. Move to the Parent Directory.<\/a>
\nE. Copy a File into a Subdirectory.<\/a>
\nF. Copy a Group of Files into a Subdirectory.<\/a>
\nG. List Files in the Root from the Subdirectory.<\/a>
\nH. Select the Directory List.<\/a>
\nI. List Subdirectories.<\/a>
\nV. Lesson 5
\nA. Delete a Single File.<\/a>
\nB. Delete a Group of Files.<\/a>
\nC. Delete all Files in a Subdirectory.<\/a>
\nD. Remove a Subdirectory.<\/a>
\nVI. Lesson 6
\nA. Format a Floppy Disk.<\/a>
\nB. Change the Default Drive.<\/a>
\nC. Diskcopy Command. <\/a>
\nD. Copying a File from the Hard Drive to a Floppy.<\/a><\/p>\n
\n
\nBefore you begin this tutorial<\/u><\/strong>, please make sure that your prompt is C:\\> If it is not, please do the following:<\/strong>
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: c:<\/strong>
\n2. Type: cd..<\/strong>
\nThis should place you into the C:\\> working directory.
\nNOTE<\/u>:<\/strong> DOS is not case sensitive; therefore, a command can be entered in with CAPITAL LETTERS, lower-case letters, or a MiXtuRe of the two.<\/p>\n
\n
\nThere are two parts to a computer system, the hardware and the software. Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer. An example of hardware components would be the monitor, keyboard and mouse. Software represents the programs which contain a set of instructions written to perform a certain task on the computer.<\/p>\n
\nDOS stands for D<\/u>isk O<\/u>perating S<\/u>ystem. DOS controls the computer\u2019s hardware and provides an environment for programs to run. This system program must always be present when working with your computer.<\/p>\n
\nThere are a variety of reasons why you need DOS. A few of them are listed below to satisfy your curiosity.
\n1. DOS controls the flow of information between you and the computer (translator).
\n2. DOS allows you to store information on your computer.
\n3. DOS allows you to retrieve information stored on your computer.
\n4. DOS interprets and translates the software you have on your computer.
\n5. DOS gives you access to all its function (i.e. saving, copying, and printing files).<\/p>\n
\nMost computers on campus have an internal clock that will automatically set the date and time for you when you turn the computer on. However, if your computer does not have this feature or your computer has two floppy drives, you will need to do the following steps to set the date and time.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type the date like this: 1-15-97<\/strong>
\n2. Press the return key<\/strong> (enter key).
\n3. Type the time like this: 8:46<\/strong>
\n4. Press return.<\/strong>
\n5. Notice that the C:\\><\/strong> prompt will appear.
\nDOS marks the date and time on everything you do. It is important to periodically check the date and time if you have an internal clock to see if it is correct. If you have a two floppy system, it is important to enter the correct date and time when you turn the computer on.
\nNOTE<\/strong>: Baynan sets the date and time for you automatically when you Login.<\/p>\n
\nDOS will let you check or change the date and time once it has been set. The procedure to do this is as follows:
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: date<\/strong> and press return<\/strong>.
\n2. If the correct date is displayed, simply press return. If the date is incorrect, type the correct date and press return.
\n3. Type: time<\/strong> and press return.<\/strong>
\n4. If the correct time is displayed, simply press return. If the time is incorrect, type the correct time and press return.<\/p>\n
\nThe DIRECTORY<\/strong> command is like a table of contents in a book. This directory will list the following information:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n1. At the C:\\> type: dir<\/strong> and press return<\/strong>.
\n2. The list of files will scroll up and off the screen.
\nNOTE:<\/strong> At the end of the listing, there is a line that shows the number of bytes free on the hard drive.<\/p>\n
\nWhen you type the DIR<\/strong> command and press return, the files begin to scroll vertically on your screen. If you have a lot of files it is difficult to read each one. By holding down the Control Key (CTRL)<\/strong> and the letter S<\/strong> at the same time, you are able to freeze the listing to view your files. When you are finished, press the spacebar for the list to continue.
\nNOTE:<\/strong> You must return to the C:\\> before entering your next command.<\/p>\n
\nYou can add a PAUSE<\/strong> command to your directory command which will allow you to view your directory one screen at a time.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: dir\/p<\/strong> and press return.<\/strong>
\n2. The screen freezes after it fills the screen with the files that are listed first in the directory.
\n3. Press the spacebar<\/strong> to continue listing you files.
\n4. Continue to press the spacebar<\/strong> until you return back to the C:\\> prompt.<\/p>\n
\nWhen you need to quickly view your files, you can add a \/W<\/strong> to the directory command. This will display your files into five columns on the screen.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: dir\/w<\/strong> and press return<\/strong>.
\n2. DOS will list only the name of you file and the file extension on the screen.
\nNOTE:<\/strong> Use this command when you are not concerned with looking at the file size or the date it was created.
\n<\/a>Recall a DOS Command<\/strong>
\nThe F3<\/strong> function key can be used to recall the last DOS command you typed in. If you would like to retrieve a previously entered command, you can also press the up arrow key<\/strong> continuously until you reach the desired command you were looking for.
\nNOTE:<\/strong> You can also type out each letter in your last command by using the right arrow key<\/strong> or the right cursor key<\/strong>. After you use the F3<\/strong> key to recall a command, you can use the backspace key<\/strong> to edit any part of the command or add to your command.<\/p>\n
\nYou can print a list of your files in your directory by instructing DOS to send the information to your printer.
\nDirections: <\/u>
\n1. Type: dir>prn <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n2. The ><\/strong> symbol stands for output. The PRN stands for printer.
\nNOTE:<\/strong> You can print a wide listing of your files by typing dir\/w>prn<\/strong>
\nLaserjet printers and other sheetfeeder printers will not eject the page after the dir>prn command. You must take the printer off-line and press the form feed button. Remember to press the on-line button when you are done in order to continue using the printer.<\/p>\n
\nInstead of using the directory command to look for one particular file, you can type the name of the file after the DIR command at the C:\\> prompt.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Make sure that you are at your C:\\><\/strong> prompt.
\n2. Type: dir format.com<\/strong> (filename.extension) and press return<\/strong>.
\n3. The screen will display a listing of the file or a file not found message.<\/p>\n
\nThe *<\/strong> symbol is referred to as a wildcard and stands for any character or group of characters. This is helpful when you want to list files that start with a particular letter or group.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: dir c*<\/strong> and press return<\/strong>.
\n2. All filenames that begin with the letter C will be listed.
\n3. Press the F3 key<\/strong>.
\n4. Backspace twice<\/strong> and replace C* with A* <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n5. All filenames that begin with the letter A are listed.<\/p>\n
\nYou can also use the wildcard character *<\/strong> to look for a group of files with the same extension.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: dir *.bat<\/strong> and press return.<\/strong>
\n2. All files with the .bat<\/strong> extension are listed.
\n3. Press the F3 key.<\/strong>
\n4. Backspace three times<\/strong> and replace the .bat extension with the .sys<\/strong> extension and press return.<\/strong>
\n5. All files with the .sys<\/strong> extension should now be listed.<\/p>\n
\nWhen the screen get full of information, you may want to clear it. To do this, type CLS <\/strong>at the C:\\> prompt and press return<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: copy con Quick.ltr<\/strong> and press return.<\/strong>
\n2. Type this message in the following format:
\nBob<\/strong>
\nSales are up 15%.<\/strong>
\nGood Job!<\/strong>
\nCraig<\/strong>
\n3. Press the F6 function key (^Z) <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n4. DOS gives you a message that 1 File(s) has been copied<\/strong>.
\n5. Type: dir q* <\/strong>and press return<\/strong>.
\n6. Now you can see the list of files beginning with the letter Q.
\nNOTE:<\/strong> You can also use the COPY<\/strong> command to print a file by typing: copy quick.ltr prn<\/strong> and press return<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\nYou can use the COPY<\/strong> command to copy one file to another.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: copy quick.ltr quick2.ltr <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n2. DOS will tell you one file has been copied.
\n3. Type: dir q* <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n4. You should have two files listed with different names.
\nNOTE:<\/strong> Filenames cannot be more than eight characters in length. File extensions cannot be more than three characters in length.<\/p>\n
\nYou can also use the COPY<\/strong> command to copy the file with a different filename extension.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: copy quick.ltr quick.bac <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n2. Type: dir q* <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n3. Three files should be listed.<\/p>\n
\nIf you need to check the contents of a particular file or any DOS file, you will need to use the TYPE <\/strong>command.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: type quick2.ltr<\/strong> and press return<\/strong>.
\n2. DOS prints the contents of the file.
\nNOTE:<\/strong> Never use the TYPE <\/strong>command with files that have the .com, .exe, .sys, and .bas extensions.<\/strong> These are program files and will only display junk on the screen.<\/p>\n
\nThe RENAME<\/strong> command lets you rename a previous file with a new name.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: ren quick2.ltr sales.ltr <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n2. Type: dir *.ltr <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n3. DOS lists only two files that have the .ltr extension: quick.ltr and sales.ltr.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nWith the wildcard character *, you can also use the RENAME <\/strong>command to change a group of files.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: ren *.ltr *.bob<\/strong> and press return.<\/strong>
\n2. Type: dir *.bob <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n3. You should have two files listed with a .bob extension.
\n4. Type: dir *.ltr <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n5. There should be no files found with .ltr extensions.
\nNOTE:<\/strong> You can also rename a group of files that have the same name but different extensions. Type the RENAME<\/strong> command then the filename followed by the dot and the wildcard, space and then type the new filename followed by a dot and the wildcard character. It will look like this: filename.* newfilename.*<\/strong>
\n<\/a>Create a Subdirectory<\/strong>
\nTo create a subdirectory, you will need to use the MAKE DIRECTORY<\/strong> command, a.k.a. MD<\/strong>. The MD<\/strong> command is useful for organizing files on your hard drive. With subdirectories, you can create and store related files together. For example, one subdirectory could be used to store all word processing files and another for all spreadsheet files.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: md \\info<\/strong> and press return.<\/strong>
\n2. Type: dir *. <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n3. Notice the *. will list only the subdirectories.<\/p>\n
\nOnce you have created a subdirectory, to move to that directory, you will use the CHANGE DIRECTORY<\/strong> command, a.k.a. CD<\/strong>.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: cd \\info<\/strong> and press return.<\/strong>
\n2. Type: cd <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n3. The name of the directory is listed.<\/p>\n
\nYou can set or change the standard system prompt to display the name of the directory or subdirectory you are currently working in.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: prompt $p $g <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n2. The DOS prompt tells you that you are working in the C directory (drive) and in the Info subdirectory.
\n3. Type: dir <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n4. The single dot stands for the current directory. The double dots stand for the parent directory (root). The dots are often referred to as place markers.<\/p>\n
\nDOS has a quick way to move from the current directory back to the parent directory.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: cd.. <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n2. You will return back to the C:\\> prompt.
\n<\/a>Copy a File into a Subdirectory<\/strong>
\nThe COPY<\/strong> command lets you copy files from one directory to another.
\nDirections:<\/u>
\n1. Type: copy sales.bob \\info<\/strong> and press return.<\/strong>
\n2. Type: dir \\info <\/strong>and press return.<\/strong>
\n3. Notice that a copy of Sales.bob is copied into the subdirectory Info. The original file is also in the root directory.<\/p>\n