These are called internal commands and can be used anytime after the system has loaded MS-DOS into memory. They do not require the MS-DOS main system diskette to function.

More complex DOS commands are actually separate programs that provide powerful features for your computer. These are called external commands, and perform such tasks as formatting a diskette, comparing files on different disks, backing up a hard disk, etc. These commands require one or more of the MS-DOS diskettes.

Hard disk system user’s can run any DOS command without diskettes because the programs are stored on the hard disk drive.

Case Sensitivity

MS-DOS does not differentiate between upper and lower case letters in commands and filenames. This manual will show commands in upper case for clarity, but you may enter them either way. For example, both of these commands will generate a directory listing of a diskette:

and

Function Keys and MS-DOS

As mentioned earlier, MS-DOS uses several of your keyboard’s function keys to provide you with shortcuts. When you press

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer 4-7