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 error
LI
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