The MS-DOS command format consists of the command name, parameters, and delimiters. The command name tells MS-DOS the task you want the computer to perform. Parameters specify details such as what data you want co process and where to locate or store a file. Delimiters are characters such as spaces or commas that separate command names and parameters.

For example, the command to format a diskette in drive A is:

FORMAT is the command name to execute the file FORMAT.COM. The A: is a parameter that tells the command what to format-in this case, the diskette in drive A. The apace between FORMAT and A: is the delimiter that lets MS-DOS distinguish the command name (FORMAT) from the parameter (A:).

Some commands also have optional switches you can use. A switch is a type of parameter that alters the effects of a command. For example, suppose you want to make a copy of a single-sided diskette. To do this, you need to add a switch to the DISKCOPY command like this:

DISKCOPY A: B:/1

Without the / 1 switch, DISKCOPY would expect the diskette to be double-sided. Switches are preceded by a forward slash ( /).

See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for a more detailed explanation of the command format. Also see your MS-DOS manual for command descriptions that tell you which parameters and delimiters are required for each command and which optional parameters and switches you can use.

Using MS-DOSWith Your Computer 3-7