Windows 7 / Getting Started

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Running Commands

Besides running Windows programs, you can also enter commands and run programs written in MS-DOS. MS-DOS stands for Microsoft Disk Operating System. MS-DOS, or DOS, employs a command- line interface through which you must type commands at a command prompt to run different tasks. A character such as a > or $ appears at the beginning of a command prompt. Each DOS command has a strict set of rules called a command syntax that you must follow when expressing a command. Many commands allow you to include switches and parameters that give you additional control of the command.

Run a Command

1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs, click Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.
2. At the prompt, type a command including any parameters, and then press Enter.
3. When you're done, click the Close button, or type exit, and then press Enter.

Find a Command

1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs, click Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.
2. At the prompt, type help, and then press Enter.
3. Read the list of commands. Use the scroll bar or scroll arrows to display additional information.
4. When you're done, click the Close button, or type exit, and then press Enter.

Get Information About a Command

1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs, click Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.
2. At the prompt, type a command followed by a space and /?, and then press Enter.
3. Read the information about the command. Use the scroll bar or scroll arrows to display additional information.
4. When you're done, click the Close button, or type exit, and then press Enter.

Tip You can use a wildcard character to change more than one file. An asterisk is a wildcard and represents any number of characters. For example, the command dir at*.doc matches atback.doc, ati.doc, and atlm.doc.

You can change the appearance of the Command Prompt window. Right-click the Command Prompt window title bar, and then click Properties.

You can ping a connection to make sure it works and find out an IP address. Ping is a diagnostic network tool that verifies whether an IP address is accessible. To test a connection, type ping IP address at the command prompt, and then press Enter. To find an IP address, type ipconfig /? or type ipconfig /all, and then press Enter. To get a new IP address, type ipconfig/release, press Enter, type ipconfig/renew, and then press Enter.

Common DOS Commands

Command	Purpose
cd foldername	Changes to the specified folder
cls	Clears the screen
copy	Copies the specified files or folder
dir	Lists the contents of the current folder
c: (where c is a drive)	Switches to the specified drive
exit	Closes the Command Prompt windows
rename	Renames the specified file or files
more file name	Displays the contents of text file, one screen of output at a time
type file name.txt	Displays the contents of text file