MS DOS Commands - Introduction

By Ravindra Reddy
MS-DOS basics:

What is MS-DOS?
MS-DOS stands for Microsoft Disk Operating System.
MS-DOS controls the computer’s 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

• 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
• MS-DOS controls the flow of information between you and the computer (translator).
• MS-DOS allows you to store information on your computer.
• MS-DOS allows you to retrieve information stored on your computer.
• MS-DOS interprets and translates the software you have on your computer.
• MS-DOS gives you access to all its function (i.e. saving, copying, and printing files).
4 Core Parts of MS DOS

• The Operating-system loader

It brings the operating system from the startup into RAM.
Bootstrapping
• The MS-DOS BIOS
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output systems
Loaded from the file IO.SYS during initialization.
Layer that sits between operating system kernel and hardware.
• The User Interface (shell)
Conventional program that allows the user to interact with the operating system.
Default MS – DOS user interface is a shell program called Command.com.
• The MS-DOS Kernel
Heart of the operating system
it is a proprietary program supplied by Microsoft corporation.
MS-DOS Kernel

The kernel provides a collection of hardware-independent services called system functions.

- File Management
- Memory Management
- Device Input and Output
- Process control
Internal Versus External Commands

The kernel provides a collection of hardware-independent services called system functions.

- File Management
- Memory Management
- Device Input and Output
- Process control
Internal Commands

These Commands are Built into the OS and already in memory if the OS is loaded.
Available anytime the computer is displaying a command prompt.
Generally, the more frequently used commands.

Examples include:

• DIR
• COPY
• PATH
• CD
• MD
• DEL
• TIME
• DATE.
External Commands

Not a part of COMMAND.COM. Located in another directory.

Must be loaded into memory as needed by the OS.

Examples include:

• FORMAT
• DEFRAG
• DISKCOPY
• MEMMAKER
• SCANDISK.
Syntax

• A specific set of rules that you must follow when writing commands.
• The order in which you arrange the elements of the command.
• The rules of grammar for the command line.
Commands have three parts:

Key word Parameter Switches

Optional Values
What they Do?

Keyword

What action to perform.

Parameter

What is acted upon.

Switches

How to perform the action.

Keyword

A unique word or set of characters that identifies the action to be performed.

Some are quite descriptive: FORMAT, COPY, MOVE

Others are abbreviated: DEL, DEFRAG, DBLSPACE

A few are little more than memory aids: EMM386 and MSCDEX.
Parameter

Additional directions for the command.

It may specify a directory or file on which to perform the action.

It may specify a hardware device.

It may specify a system setting.

Switches

A special type of parameter that enables or disables optional functions of the command.

The /P switch with the DIR command displays the directory one screen at a time.

The /W switch with the DIR command displays the directory in the wide format (five columns wide).
Two Common Forms of Commands:

Key word Drive/Files Switches

OR

Key word Source Files Target Files Switches

Switches
Using Command - Example

DEL ravindrareddy_resume.doc

KEYWORD FILE
Using Command - Example

DEL D:/ravindrareddy_resume.doc

KEYWORD FILE
Using Command - Example

COPY D:/ravindrareddy_resume.doc E:

Target
KEYWORD FILE or
Destination
Using Command - Example

COPY D:/ravindrareddy_resume.doc E:

SPACE SPACE
Using Command - Example

COPY D:/ravindrareddy_resume.doc E: /V

SWITCH
KEYWORD FILE

Target
or
Destination
Backslash Vs. Forward Slash

\ Backslashes are used as separators when specifying directory or file information.

/ Forward slashes are used to notify DOS that the next character is a command line switch.
Bad command or file name.

Type HELP followed by the command you want to know about.

Type the command and then follow it with the switch /?.
Thank you