Chapter 4

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

Once you have your computer system “up-and-running,” you may begin to work with MS-DOS.

Virtually all application software available for IBM PC/XT and PC/AT-compatible computer systems runs “under” MS-DOS. Therefore, in order to use these programs, you need to learn how to use MS-DOS. This chapter will give you a basic understanding of MS-DOS and provide you with the basic tools you need run application software on your computer system. For more detailed explanation of the MS-DOS operating system, see your MS-DOS USER’S GUIDE.

MS-DOS is an acronym for Microsoft Disk Operating System. The disk operating system is a collection of programs that allow you to control all the elements of your computer. When booting up, the MS-DOS command file is copied from the MS- DOS main disk into your computer’s memory. From there, it controls the rest of the system.

During a normal operating session, you will want your computer system to boot up in MS-DOS. Before that can happen, however, you may need to install MS-DOS on your system.

If your system does not have a hard disk system, you must perform the installation routine to configure MS-DOS for floppy disk-based operation.

If you do have a hard disk drive, but MS-DOS has not been installed you must perform the installation routine to configure MS-DOS for use on the hard disk system.

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer 4-1