You can enter an MS-DOS command whenever you see the MS-DOS command prompt. Type the command name and any necessary parameters and delimiters and then press Enter to execute the command. MS-DOS does not execute your command until you press Enter.

You can type command names and parameters in either uppercase or lowercase letters. If you make a mistake when typing a command and you notice it before you press Enter, you can do either of two things:

Use the backspace key to back up to the error so you can correct it

Press ESC to cancel the command line.

If you press Enter when a command line has an error in it, the screen displays an error message. Usually, the command prompt reappears so you can try again. Type the correct command and press Enter.

Creating and Managing Files

All your data and programs are stored in files on disk. A data file contains information, such as words, numbers, or pictures. A program file contains instructions that the computer can understand and execute.

The kind of file you create depends on the MS-DOS command or application program you use to create it. In general, a data file that you create using an application program is stored in a special format. If you use a different application program to read that file, you may encounter problems.

When you create a file, you need to give it a name. You must name your files in a certain format required by MS-DOS.

3-8 Using MS-DOS With Your Computer