You can type the name and the extension in either lowercase or uppercase letters, but do not use uppercase or lowercase letters to distinguish between files. After you type the filename, MS-DOS converts all lowercase letters to capitals.

Using Directories

MS-DOS organizes files by storing them in directories. This makes it easy for you to find and manage your files. Directories also list specific information about each file, including the filename, the size of the file, and the date and time you last modified the file.

When you formatted your hard disk, MS-DOS created a single directory for the disk. This directory is called the root directory. Because the hard disk has room for hundreds of files, MS-DOS allows you to create additional directories, called subdirectories.

Subdirectories allow you to organize your hard disk so that files of similar type or purpose are kept together. Without subdirectories, it would be difficult to keep track of all the files on your hard disk.

You can create subdirectories on your diskettes as well as on your hard disk. But you may not need to create them on diskettes, because diskettes hold fewer files.

The subdirectory structure of a hard disk can be represented with a tree-like diagram, like this:

Root Directory ( \ )

LEDGERWORDPROC

AA

ACCOUNTS SALES BUSINESS PERSONAL I

STORIES LETTERS

5-6 Using MS-DOS With Your Equity LT-286