Operating Systems Concepts 1/e Ruth Watson Chapter 3

Chapter 3

DOS

Ruth Watson

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Objectives (1 of 2)

Explain what DOS is Explain what GUI is Explain what a pipe is Demonstrate how to create a directory structure

using DOS commands Demonstrate how to navigate a directory

structure using DOS commands Demonstrate how to use the DOS edit program

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Objectives (2 of 2)

Explain what the 8.3 naming convention is Differentiate between copying and moving

files Demonstrate how to use wildcard characters Demonstrate how to redirect output using

DOS commands Demonstrate how to customize the command

window interface Demonstrate how to write a batch file

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Introduction

Technology professionals must have a basic understanding of DOS, including: Syntax Paths Switches Command line statements Batch files

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Important Terms to Understand

Backslash Batch file Clone Forward slash GUI Partition Path

Prompt Redirect Root Shell or user interface Standard output Switch Syntax

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What DOS is

Disk Operating System (DOS)

Around since the early 1980’s

Command line interface There are many other

command line OS’s, including: Novell Netware Unix Linux VAX/VMS

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Understanding the Syntax

Syntax: Rule to follow

Command line help |more: Will show help options one screen at

a time by using the pipe (|)

Syntax: Rule to follow

Command line attrib /?: Will tell you more about a command

using the /? after the command name

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Navigation Using DOS

Start & Accessories

Dir/p: Current directory path

C:\ prompt:

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Directory Structure

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Directory Structure Continued

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Using Wildcard Characters

Use wildcard characters to show multiple files with same name

Type tree.* all files named tree will appear

Type tree *.* all possible files will appear

Many uses for wildcards: Copy all files tree *.* Delete all files tree *.*

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Redirecting Output

Command displays the

directory structure of the

partition

Don’t forget the pipe (|) will show screen by

screen

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Command Windows Interface

Change the look of the command prompt window Right-click the

command line title bar Options:

Font Layout Colors More

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Batch Files

Batch files contain a series of commands that a user might use often Batch files are saved with a .bat file extension For example:

Copying files and then delete Move certain files and then delete Create directories and then backup certain files

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Batch Files Continued

When the .bat file is double clicked the commands run one at a time.

.bat file

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The True Power of DOS

DOS has been around for a while professionals still find ways to use DOS

Excellent example: The teacher creating a batch file to delete all

documents placed in a class file as the computer runs

Backing up files using batch files is another great example

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Summary

Typical computer users may never need to know DOS

Technology professionals need to know DOS Understanding syntax, paths, command

prompts, and batch files is a must for technology professionals

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Questions?