Skip to main content

DOS And Your Keyboard (2)

As discussed in the previous Blog post we have discussed about Standard Typing Key, Special Control Key. In this we are gonna discuss about Function Keys.


Function Keys: Because each program reacts differently with special control keys, it is necessary to learn what each does when you begin using a new software product. DOS uses the function keys F1 through F6, in addition to several other keys. A list functions and corresponding keys is contained in the following Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 DOS and the Keyboard
Key(s)                                                                    Function
Enter                                                                  Complete command or end  a line.
Ctrl-Enter                                                          Move down one line to continue typing.
Backspace                                                         Move cursor left to erase text or retype.
Esc                                                                    Discard typed command so you can retype it correctly.
Ctrl-Break or Ctrl-C                                         Discontinue or cancel program operation.
Ctrl-Num Lock or Ctrl-S                                  Pause scrolling of text on screen; press any key to
                                                                          resume scrolling. 
Shift-PrtSc                                                        Print displayed screen.
Ctrl-P or Ctrl-PrtSc                                          Print characters that are typed or displayed on the screen.
Shift-(letter/number key)                                 Type capitals.
Caps Lock                                                        Lock capitals on/off
Num Lock                                                         Shift numeric keypad between numbers and function                                              keys.
Numeric Keypad                                              Type numbers with Num Lock on, use cursor and special                                                                            control keys with Num Lock off.
Ctrl-Alt-Del                                                      Reset (warm boot) your computer.
Ctrl                                                                    Use with character keys to perform special operations.


NOTE

Previously typed DOS commands are stored in a temporary 

memory location called a buffer. The following keys are used to reuse and modify the stored command

line. This may vary slightly depending upon your microcomputer.


F1                                                                     Copy one character from buffer.

F2 x                                                                  Copy all characters from the buffer up to the character x.

F3                                                                     Copy all remaining characters from the buffer,

                                                                         beginning at the present position to the end of the line.

F4 x                                                                  Skip all characters up to the character x.

F5                                                                      Use the last editing line for further modification.

Ins                                                                     Insert one or more characters in a line.

Del                                                                    Delete the next character from the buffer.

Esc                                                                    Cancel this line and start over; does not change contents                                                                              of the buffer.

F6 or Ctrl-Z                                                      Type End-of-file marker.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Path

The PATH command is used to provide access to files located in other directories or on other disks. The PATH command is usually entered as a line in an AUTOEXEC.BAT (or batch) file, which most often contains one or more DOS commands. The AUTOEXEC.BAT file is automatically executed upon system turn-on to run one or more desired programs without the need for user intervention. Other batch  files are executed upon command. When an AUTOEXEC.CAT file is used, each command contained in the file executes as it is encountered. The creation and use of batch files is described in Section 8. To illustrate the PATH command, assume you have a program named GATOR.COM that is located in a sub directory. You are not sure if it is cn disk C or disk A, so you want to search both disks and execute the command when found. To complicate matters, you are not sure if the program is in the SWAMP sub directory or the MUD sub directory. Here is where the PATH command comes to your rescue. To set up a search...

Filenames (2)

Wild Cards and Literals: Now that you understand filename rules, you should understand the use of two convenient tools: wild cards and literals. Wild Cards: In the card game poker, a wild card may be any card that a player chooses. Forexample, if deuces are "wild," a player can make three kings by using two kings and a deuce. In DOS, an asterisk (*) character is "wild." The asterisk stands for one or more characters in a filename or extention, beginning with the asterisk position. If only an asterisk is used, it represents the entire filename. A few examples are in order. If you wish to list a directory of all files having the extension COM, you can type the command DIR *.COM and press Enter. Every filename with the extension COM is listed. If you want to list a directory of every file beginning with the letter W, you can use the command DIR W *.*. Every filename beginning with W and having any extension is listed. Therefore, the wild card lets you select a set ...