Entering MS-DOS Commands

You can enter an MS-DOS command when 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. You can type command names 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 one of two things:

Cl Use the backspace key to back up and correct the errorLI 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.

Storing Data

You store all your work and programs in files on your hard disk or diskettes. A data file contains information, such as words, numbers, or pictures. A program contains instructions that the computer can understand and execute.

The kind of file you create depends on the MS-DOS commands or application program you use to create it. Because each program you use stores data files in its own particular format, you are likely to encounter problems if you try to read a file using a different program.

Each file must have a unique filename so that MS-DOS can find it when you need to retrieve it. The filename consists of two parts, the name and the extension.

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer 3-5