What's all this talk about DOS?

Don't be afraid of the C:> prompt!

Windows is a powerful operating system.  It allows you to use a mouse to move around the screen; to point at a picture (icon) to use a program, send e-mail or print a picture.  It is designed to be more user-friendly than text-only operating systems. 

But Windows 95, 98 and Me are really add-on programs that run on top of something called DOS.  DOS stands for Disk-Operating System and its what allows the computer to do the many things that it can do.  It manages your screen, your printer, your keyboard, memory and the hard drive. 

As an add on program, Windows allows your computer to be even more powerful than DOS by itself.  It allows you to use the mouse, click on icons and do two or more things at the same time.   It can even allow information in one program to be shared by another program, all without you knowing about it. 

The look of the Windows desktop is considered a graphical user interface or GUI for short.  DOS, on the other hand is a command line and text-only interface.  The computer receives command instructions to do something. Programs are started by typing a series of characters and most instructions to the computer are written in some sort of code that only a programmer understands.   Instructions are given to the computer by typing them in on a command line that appears on the screen. 

We've come a long way from command-line and boring text-only screens. But these command instructions still exist underneath all the pretty colored icons and shortcuts on your desktop.   

Take most any shortcut to a program on your desktop. Right click on the shortcut then click on properties. Click on the shortcut tab.  The long line of instructions on the Target line is a series of command lines that start a program. See the sample for Word below:

Yes I'll agree that clicking on the icon is easier than typing:

Program files\Microsoft Office\Office\Winword.exe.

However, this really is the instruction that is underneath the icon to start your Word program.

You can get to know your computer by getting a real understanding of this DOS/Windows relationship.  

Don't be afraid of the command line interface or the C:> prompt.  You'll never know when it can come in handy.

Visit the C:>prompt by clicking on

• Start
• Programs
• MS-DOS Prompt  (Windows Me users will find this under accessories)

Maximize the size of the window by clicking on the middle of the three buttons in the upper right corner. 

The c:\windows> is called the command line and the folder you should be in is the Windows folder.  As the name implies this is also referred to as the DOS PROMPT and your are now working in a DOS Window or DOS BOX. 

Type calc after c:\windows> and hit ENTER.  The Windows calculator starts!

Close the calculator by clicking the X in the upper right corner.

Type notepad after c:\windows> and hit ENTER.  The Windows Notepad program starts up!

Close the notepad by clicking the X in the upper right corner.

Type EXIT after c:\windows> and hit ENTER. The DOS Window closes!

Your mouse is basically useless in this DOS Window so don't bother trying to click on anything.  If you are lucky you may never have to see this strange DOS prompt at any time.  However, there may come a time when someone asks you:

• to go to a DOS prompt or
• to start your computer at the command line only.
• to start your computer with a boot disk or emergency boot disk.

If you are seriously infected with a virus or your hard drive crashes, you probably will use these emergency boot disks to get back up and running. Your comfort at the DOS prompt will aid you in this effort.

I recommend the following titles to get more information and comfort with DOS and its many features.  Its what Windows is based on.