Working With MS-DOS

Overview

Until 1996, MS-DOS with Windows 3.1 was the most popular operating system for Intel-based personal computers and the installed base for these systems is still huge.

The MS-DOS command line interface is an essential part of Windows 95 and Windows NT. Many functions are available only through the command line interface, or may be accomplished more quickly through the command line interface, once you are proficient with it.

In addition, the skills you learn to manipulate files and directories are applicable to all three operating systems. Having a thorough understanding of MS-DOS commands can be critical to your ability to use personal computers with confidence.

This course is highly interactive with many chances to test your knowledge and communicate with fellow students and subject matter experts. The course provides workshop exercises to reinforce your skills with MS-DOS commands and file system. The average study time to complete the course is 12 to 16 hours.

Objectives

Upon successful conclusion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Understand what an operating system is, and describe the major components of an operating system.
• Understand the origin and composition of the most popular personal computer operating systems, including MS-DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows NT, and Windows 95.
• Manipulate files and directories, using the MS-DOS file system and command processor.
• Use the MS-DOS command processor to execute a variety of commands, from setting the computer's time to formatting a disk or accessing a disk on another computer.

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Operating System Overview
What is an Operating System? Types of Operating Systems Operating System Components Popular PC Operating Systems

Lesson 2: The MS-DOS File System
Naming Files and Directories Identifying Files and Directories Dot and Dot-Dot File Attributes

Lesson 3: The Command Processor
The MS-DOS Command Processor The Current Drive and Directory DOS Commands (CD, DIR, HELP, TYPE, DATE, TIME, VER, CLS) Redirection, Pipes and Filters (SORT, MORE)

Lesson 4: Disks, Diskettes, and the File System
The Structure of a Disk or Diskette Preparing a Disk or Diskette to Store Data (FDISK, FORMAT, etc.) Checking the structure of a disk or diskette (CHKDSK, SCANDISK, DEFRAG)

Lesson 5: Directories and Files
Directory Management (MKDIR, RMDIR, etc.) File Management (COPY, XCOPY, DEL, DELTREE, ATTRIB, etc.)

Lesson 6: Preparing For and Recovering From Disaster
Backup and Recovery Developing A Backup Strategy Performing a Backup Restoring From a Backup

Lesson 7: Starting the System
The Bootstrap Process Power On Self Test Loading the Operating System Controlling the Boot Process

Lesson 8: Working With Batch Files
W hat is a Batch File? Editing Text files Batch File Commands (REM, ECHO, PAUSE, IF, CHOICE, FOR, etc.) Debugging Techniques

Lesson 9: Introduction to Microsoft Windows 3.1
Features of Windows 3.1 Program Manager The Task List File Manager, Print Manager, Control Panel All Web Training Courses are Y2K (Year 2000 Compliant). * Windows NT is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Click here for an online order form that is submitted automatically to ESI.

Note: All web based training courses are Y2K (Year 2000) compliant.