Section 2 Getting Started

Section 2

Getting Started

INTRODUCTION

This section guides you through the process of turning on your computer, checking for important control files, setting the system time and date, and then determining what version of DOS you are using.

Commands introduced include:

DATE Display and sets the system date.

TIME Display and sets the system time.

VER Display the current DOS version in use by the system.

Commonly used DOS files that are introduced and examined include:

CONFIG.SYS Configures memory and loads special device drivers at system turn on.

AUTOEXEC.BAT Automatically executes DOS commands that are included in this file.

Comments

MEM

MEM The MEM command was introduced in DOS version 4.01 and memory information. The MEM command is entered alone or with a modified slightly in MS-DOS 5.00. MEM is used to display system memory information. The MEM command is entered alone or with a parameter. MEM-Displays to all system memory values, including expanded and extended memory values. MEM PROGRAM--Displays programs presently loaded in memory with used and unused memory. You may use /P if you are using DOS 5.00 MEM/DEBUG--Dispiays a list of programs, device drivers, install drivers, and used unused memory. You may use / if you are using DOS 5.00. MEM CLASSIFY (or MEM /C)-Displays programs and cor-responding memory usage. The largest available memory block is also displayed. You may use /C if you are using DOS 5.00. Typing MEM and pressing Enter displays information similar to the following (typical of DOS 5.00): C:\>MEM 655350 bytes total conventional memory

Filenames

It is important to understand DOS file naming conventions and their use. Here, filenames and some special filename "tools" called wild cards and literals are described. What is a File name? Every program and data file is given a name to differentiate it from other programs and data files. A program is one or more computer instructions collected into a file. A data file is normally a collection of characters (or data) that make up a document, like a letter, or a database, like a collection of accounting transactions or customer records. Descriptive filenames are normally used. For example, if you create and save a letter to Mom, you might give it the filename MOM.LTR. A letter to Dad could be called DAD.LTR. A word processing program file might have the filename WP.COM. Examine these filenames a little closer. First, notice that each filename is meaningful. This is important if you want to know what is in a file by looking at its name. Obscure filenames are of little u

Disk Construction

The various parts of standard 5.25- and 3.5-inch disks are contained in Figure 1-2. A description of each part is also provided. Write protect notch--When covered, prevents information from being recorded on the disk; when uncovered, information can be recorded. Temporary label--An adhesive-backed label allowing the contents of a disk to be identified. Permanent label--When used, contains disk manufacturer and capacity information. Exposed recording surface--Metal oxide surface used to magnetically record data. Do not touch! Protective jacket --House magnetic disk; provides protective cover. Disk sleeve (envelope)--Used to store disks;prevents accidental contact with exposed surface. Protective slide --Protects magnetic media surface; slides open when inserted into a diskette drive (only on 3 1/2-inch diskettes). Figure 1-2 The Parts of a Floppy Disk Construction : Almost everyone is familiar with audio recording tape. The tape is a long, flexible acetate or mylar strip coated with fe

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