Learn MS-DOS (Part 1) - Introduction to MS-DOS: The Foundation of Computer Commands

🖥 What is MS-DOS?

Long before today’s colorful Windows and touchscreen apps, computers had a very different face: a black screen with a blinking cursor. That was MS-DOS — Microsoft Disk Operating System. Released in the early 1980s, it became the backbone of personal computing for nearly two decades.

MS-DOS doesn’t use icons or buttons. Instead, it relies on commands typed by the user. Want to see files? Type DIR. Want to delete something? Type DEL. It’s like giving direct instructions to the machine.

Even though most people don’t use DOS anymore, learning it is like learning the roots of computer science.

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⚡ Why Learn MS-DOS Today?

You might think, “DOS is outdated. Why waste time?” Here’s why it still matters:

1. Foundation of Modern Systems – Windows Command Prompt, PowerShell, and even Linux terminals carry DOS-style commands.

2. Better Understanding – You learn how computers manage files, memory, and storage.

3. Useful in IT Jobs – Many troubleshooting steps in networking, system recovery, or cybersecurity still use command-line basics.

4. Boosts Problem-Solving Skills – Commands force you to think logically, step by step.

Think of it as learning to drive a manual car before an automatic — it makes you a stronger driver.

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📝 How MS-DOS Works

When you open MS-DOS (or Command Prompt in modern Windows), you’ll see something like this:

C:\>

This is called the prompt.

• C: shows the drive you are working on (hard disk).

• > means DOS is ready for your command.

If you type:

DIR

…it will list all files and folders inside the current drive or directory. Simple, but powerful.

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🚪 How to Open the Command Prompt (CMD)

To practice MS-DOS commands today, you’ll use the Command Prompt in Windows. Here are the easiest ways to open it:

• Run dialog (fastest): Press Windows + R, type cmd, press Enter.

• Start / Search: Press the Windows key, type cmd or Command Prompt, then hit Enter. Use Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open as administrator.

• Power User Menu: Press Windows + X and choose Command Prompt / Terminal (varies by Windows version).

• Open in a folder: Navigate to any folder in File Explorer, type cmd in the address bar, and press Enter — this opens CMD at that folder.

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⌨️ Handy Shortcut Keys in CMD

Here are some quick tips to make working in CMD smoother:

• Windows + R → Run dialog (type cmd)

• Ctrl + Shift + Enter → Run as Administrator

• Tab → Auto-complete file and folder names

• Up / Down arrows → Cycle through previous commands

• F7 → Show a popup list of recent commands

• Ctrl + C → Cancel a running command

• Right-click (or Ctrl + V) → Paste text in modern consoles

• CD.. → Move one folder up

• Alt + Enter (older Windows) → Toggle full-screen console

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⏰ Checking and Changing Date & Time

MS-DOS includes simple commands for system date and time.

• DATE → Shows current date and prompts for a new one

• TIME → Shows current time and prompts for a new one

Examples:

C:\>DATE
Current date is 09-13-2025
Enter new date (mm-dd-yy):

C:\>TIME
Current time is 17:45:00.00
Enter new time:

👉 In modern Windows CMD:

• Use date /t to display date without prompting

• Use time /t to display time without prompting

• Use date 09-13-2025 or time 18:00 to change directly (admin rights may be needed).

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🎨 Changing Colors in CMD

By default, DOS uses white text on a black background. But you can change it for fun or readability.

In Windows Command Prompt:
Use the COLOR command.

• Syntax: COLOR [attr]

• The first digit = background, second = text color.

• Example: COLOR 0A → Black background with light green text.

Common values:

0 = Black    7 = White   A = Light Green
1 = Blue     8 = Gray    C = Light Red
2 = Green    9 = Light Blue  F = Bright White

In classic MS-DOS:
You needed to load ANSI.SYS in CONFIG.SYS and then use ANSI escape sequences to add color. (Modern Windows CMD made this much easier with the COLOR command.)

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🧩 Structure of DOS Commands

Every DOS command follows a format:

COMMAND [options] [filename/parameters]

• COMMAND → The main keyword (like COPY)

• Options → Extra instructions (/P, /S, etc.)

• Filename/Parameters → The file, folder, or setting you’re targeting

Example:

COPY notes.txt D:\Backup

👉 This copies the file notes.txt into the folder D:\Backup.

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🔑 Two Types of Commands

MS-DOS commands fall into two categories:

1. Internal Commands – Always available because they are built into DOS.
   Examples: DIR, COPY, DEL, CD.

2. External Commands – Stored as separate files (.EXE, .COM, .BAT) and run only if the file exists.
   Examples: FORMAT, DISKCOPY, SCANDISK.

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📚 What’s Coming Next (Part 2 Onwards)

This is just the start. In the next nine parts, we’ll cover every command step by step:

• Part 2: File & Directory Commands

• Part 3: File Operations

• Part 4: System Information Commands

• Part 5: Disk & Storage Commands

• Part 6: Configuration Commands

• Part 7: Networking Commands

• Part 8: Batch Programming

• Part 9: Advanced Commands

• Part 10: Cheat Sheet & Wrap-Up

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✅ Conclusion

MS-DOS may look old-fashioned, but it’s a treasure chest of knowledge. By now, you know how to open the command prompt, check and change system date/time, and even add some colors for fun.

Stay tuned for Part 2: File & Directory Commands — where we’ll start typing real commands to move around and organize files.