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.

Naming Files

Each file must have a unique filename so you can retrieve it when you need to. The filename consists of two parts: the name and the extension (which is optional).

You can choose a name up to eight characters long. Create a name that identifies the information the file contains. The name can contain any characters or numbers except for blank spaces and the following symbols:

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer 4-9