Instructor: Prof. Michael P Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
Chapter 2
Command Syntax
CHAPTER 2
Command Syntax—
Using the DIR Command with Parameters and Wildcards
LECTURE NOTES
CHAPTER OUTLINE
Learning Activities
 Slides 2-9
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
 Will learn to read a syntax diagram and explain
 Chapter Overview duplicated in the
the function of each part of the diagram.
PowerPoint slides.
 Will learn some basic commands, their syntax,

After completion of lecture, suggest to
and how to make commands more specific.
students that they review Objectives and
 Will be able to define prompts and explain how
Outcomes found on first page of chapter as
they are used.
a check to see if they have mastered
 The purpose and function of defaults will be
concepts.
explained.
 Will learn how to change the default drive and
directory.
 Will learn how to use subdirectories and
wildcards with the DIR command.
 The purpose and function of redirection will be
explained and then will learn how to redirect the
output of the DIR command to a file or a
printer.
 Will learn how to use the Online Help feature.
COMMAND SYNTAX
 Command Syntax
 All languages have rules for speaking and
writing.
 Syntax (word order) and punctuation of a
language is important.
 Computers use language that consists of
vocabulary, syntax, and punctuation.
SECTION 2.1 (p. 40)
 Slides 10-12
 User communicates with computer by using
language that computer understands.
 Command syntax is the language,
punctuation, and order needed to execute a
command properly.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 1
Instructor: Prof. Michael P Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems



Commands.
 Similar to verbs.
 Action you wish to take.
GUI in Windows - still syntax and rules.
 Icon that points to a program based on
rules of syntax.
An error message of “Bad command or file
name” is computer saying, I don't
understand.
Chapter 2
Command Syntax


Discussion Question (1) - Define command
syntax.
Discussion Question (2) - Why is syntax
important when using a command?
WHAT ARE PARAMETERS?
 What are Parameters?
 Provide information to modify/qualify
command.
 Some commands.
 Require parameters.
 Have optional parameters - used for
special purposes.
 Do not use parameters.
 Types of parameters.
 Variable parameters = user supplies
value to command.
 Fixed parameters = cannot change fixed
value (must use value provided).
 Parameters added to make action of
command more specific.
SECTION 2.2 (pp. 40-41)
 Slides 13-16
READING A SYNTAX DIAGRAM
 Reading a Syntax Diagram.
 Using DIR.
 First entry is always the command.
 Must be exact.
 Next parameters.
 Brackets - parameter is optional.
 Never key in brackets.
 N0 required/mandatory parameters for
DIR.
 DIR syntax – See Power Point slide #
SECTION 2.3 (p. 41)
 Slides 17-18
USING FIXED PARAMETERS WITH THE
DIR COMMAND
 Using Fixed Parameters with the DIR
Command


Discussion Question (3) - Define parameters.
Discussion Question (4) -What is the
difference between a variable and a fixed
parameter?
 Use analogies.
- Vocabulary (commands).
- Punctuation
- Syntax (order).

Discussion Question (5) - How would you use
a syntax diagram? Why is the diagram
important?
SECTION 2.4 (pp. 41-42)
 Slides 19-22)
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 2
Instructor: Prof. Michael P Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems




DIR uses optional parameters.
Optional parameters (/W and /P are fixed).
 Controls how directory is displayed.
 /W = wide display.
 /P = pause or paged display.
With new versions rules do not change.
 DIR has both optional and fixed
parameters.
 Slashes must be keyed in, brackets
never.
When using DIR command by itself, files
scroll by so quickly they cannot be read.
 Use /P parameter to display one screen
of information at a time.
 Must respond to prompt before another
screen of information will appear.
ACTIVITY—USING FIXED PARAMETERS
WITH THE DIR COMMAND
 Using Fixed Parameters with the DIR
Command
 Note: Whenever text refers to
ACTIVITIES DISK – use working copy
made in Chapter 1 labeled “ACTIVITIES
DISK – Working Copy"
 Activity steps.








Boot system/Open Command Prompt window
Key in: CD \ then Key in: CLS
Insert “ACTIVITIES Disk – Working Copy”
in Drive A and make A: default drive.
Key in: DIR /P
Press <Enter> 3 times, and/or until reach end of
display.
Key in: DIR /W
Key in: DIR /P /W
Return to system prompt

Activity completed.
USING FILE NAMES AS VARIABLE
PARAMETERS
 Using File Names as Variable Parameters
 /P and /W are optional fixed parameters for
DIR.
Chapter 2
Command Syntax
 Fixed parameter referred to as switch and
begins with the /.
 Discuss.
- Difference between slash/backslash.
- Why /P more efficient than using <Pause>
or <Ctrl> + S keys.
 Reiterate any special lab instructions.
 If system varies from text refer to
configuration table in Chapter 1.6.
SECTION 2.5 (pp. 42-46)
 Slide 23
 Any special lab instructions?
 Delimiter.
- / slash.
- Signals one thing ending and another
beginning.
- Forward slash (/) used only with fixed
parameters.
 Mention that there is no space between / and
P and / and W.


Discussion Question (6) - Name two
parameters that can be used with the DIR
command. Explain why you would use the
parameters.
Discussion Question (7) - Define delimiters.
Give an example of a delimiter.
SECTION 2.6 (pp. 47-48)
 Slides 24-30
 Naming conventions same in Windows XP
as in Windows 2000.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 3
Instructor: Prof. Michael P Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems






Another parameter (name of file) can be
used with DIR command.
File naming review.
 Files formally called file specifications.
 File specifications broken into two parts:
 File name.
 File extension.
Conventions for naming files:
 All files in a directory (subdirectory)
must have unique names.
 File names are mandatory.
 May be less than but no more than
256 characters long.
 File extensions are usually three
characters long.
 The following characters are illegal and
may NOT be used in a file name:
\ / : * ? < > |
 All other characters, including periods
and spaces, are legal in Windows file
names.
File names should reflect subject of files.
File extensions usually given by application
creating the file.
Many older 16-bit application packages (pre
Windows 95)  Cannot deal with long file names, spaces
or periods in file names.
 Follow older DOS rules:
 8 characters in name and 1 to 3
characters in optional extension.
 Some files on Internet adhere to older
DOS rules.
 DIR syntax using /P or /W:
DIR [drive:][path][filename] [/P] [/W]
 Filename in brackets
- is a variable optional parameter.
- plug in value or name of file.
 In some syntax diagrams, you will
see [filename[.ext]]
- .ext in brackets as is part of file
name syntax.
Chapter 2
Command Syntax
 Parameters are specific to each command.
 When giving file name give both parts - file
name and file extension.
 Even though spaces and long names can be
used, it’s better to keep file names short and
concise.
 Older DOS rule called 8.3 rule.
 Dot (delimiter) only used between file name
and file extension.


Discussion Question (8) - Define file
specifications.
Discussion Question (9) - How do you separate
a file name and a file extension?
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 4
Instructor: Prof. Michael P Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
Chapter 2
Command Syntax



File may not have an extension.
If file has extension
- must include it.
- no spaces between file name and
extension.
 Delimiter used between file name
and extension is dot (.)
When using DIR command, you will not
see period or dot between file name and
file extension on screen.
- Directory display, dot indicated by
spaces.
ACTIVITY—USING A FILE NAME AS A
VARIABLE PARAMETER
 Using a File Name as a Variable Parameter
 At command line with prompt A:\> .
 Activity steps.
 Key in following commands:








Continue pressing <Enter> key until
you reach end of display.
Activity completed.


DIR VENUS.TXT
DIR NOFILE.TXT
DIR STEVEN.FIL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DISKCOPY.
COM
DIR LONGFILENAME
DDIR LONGFILENAME.EXTENSION
DIR Sandy and Patty.txt
DIR “Sandy and Patty.txt”
DIR /X/P
SECTION 2.7 (pp. 48-52)
 Slide 31
 Discuss all parts of display with each
command.
 System message – File Not Found (Error










message).
Can enter more than one file specification
with DIR command.
Can enter more than one parameter at one
time when using DIR.
Can use DIR command with long file name.
File extension can have more than three
characters.
Quotation marks used to treat long file name
with spaces in it as one unit.
Long file name has name that adheres to 8.3
naming convention (name called an alias).
/X parameter - used to see 8.3 names.
8.3 name derived from LFN by removing
spaces, taking first 6 characters of file name
and adding a tilde (~) and a number.
Good idea to keep file names short/concise
Less chance of making typo
LFNs take up needed room on floppies.
Discussion Question (10) – What is used to
separate a file specification from a path name?
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 5
Instructor: Prof. Michael P Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
COMMAND LINE EDITING
 Command Line Editing
 Can reuse last command keyed in without
re-keying it.
 Use <F1> to recall command line one letter
at a time.
 Use <F3> to recall entire command line.

SECTION 2.8 (p. 53)
 Slides 32-35

Discussion Question (10) – If you keyed in
10 commands and wanted to reuse a
command previously keyed in, what could
you do?
See PowerPoint slide # for Editing Keys Command
Summary.
ACTIVITY—USING COMMAND EDITING
 Using Command Editing
 “ACTIVITIES Disk—Working Copy” is in
Drive A with A: \> displayed.
 Activity steps.
 Key in DIIR/P






Chapter 2
Command Syntax
Press <F1> key twice
Cancel command and clear memory of
command line editor.
Key in the following:
 CLS
 DIR FRANK.FIL
 DIR VEN.99
 VOL
 DIR JUP.99
 DIR ORION.NEB
 DIR DRESS.UP RIGHT.UP
 Press following keys.
 Up arrow key 2 times.
 Down arrow key once.
 <Ctrl> + <left Arrow> one time.
 <Insert> key
At cursor key, key in: FILE3.FP.
Press following keys:
 <Enter> then up arrow key twice.
 <Ctrl> + left cursor one time.
 Key in: FILE3.FP
 Press <F7>.
 Press <F9>/number that appears before DIR
VEN>99 (in this case 2)
 Press <Enter>/<Esc>/D/<F8>.
 Press <Esc>/<Alt> + <F7>
 Press up arrow key once.
 Close Command Prompt window.
SECTION 2.9 (pp. 54-57)
 Slide 36
 Discuss results of editing key used in this





activity.
Editing keys can be used to recall and edit
commands.
Overstrike mode – replaces each character
you key in data.
Insert mode –“inserting data” at the cursor.
Use shortcut (<Esc> key) to delete line
quickly.
Can search for previously entered command
by keying in first letter/s of command you
are interested in.
Activity completed.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 6
Instructor: Prof. Michael P Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
Chapter 2
Command Syntax
DRIVES AS DEVICE NAMES
 Drives as Device Names
 Device is a place to read information from
or write information to.
 Disk drives have device names (followed by
a colon) assigned so Windows knows where
to read or write.
 Drive names on stand-alone computers are
typically A:, B:, or C:.
 If on network, disk drive letters can vary.
 Other common devices to read information
from or write information to:
 Keyboard.
 Printer.
 Monitor.
SECTION 2.10 (pp. 57-58)
 Slides 37-38
DEFAULTS
 Defaults
 Implied instructions.
 When you don't tell the computer what to
do, it makes assumptions.
 Computer assumptions are called defaults.
 When prompt is A:>
 Tells you A is the default drive.
 Any command given will assume the
default unless otherwise specified.
 The displayed prompt is the default,
designated, or logged drive.
 In Explorer default drive indicated on title
bar.
SECTION 2.11 (p. 58)
 Slides 39-=40






“ACTIVITIES Disk” in Drive A.

Activity steps.


Open Command Prompt window.
Key in the following:
 A:
 DIR
Discussion Question (11) - What is the
function and purpose of a device?
 Default - very important concept.
Value used unless another value is
specified.
 Default drive is drive commands will
operate on unless other information is given.
 Remind students that these rules apply to
application software as well.
 Default drive, designated drive, and logged
drive are the same.


ACTIVITY—WORKING WITH DEFAULTS
 Working with Defaults
Disk drive is an example of a device.
Discuss what drive names are in the lab.
First floppy disk is called A:
First hard disk is called C:
Discussion Question (12) - Explain the
function and purpose of the default drive.
Discussion Question (13) - How can you tell
which drive is the default drive?
SECTION 2.12 (pp. 58-62)
 Slide 41
 “Shelling out to DOS” or “shelling out to
command line” – when open Command
Prompt window and changed default drive
to A.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 7
Instructor: Prof. Michael P Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems






DIR A:
C:
CD \
DIR A:
DIR HELLO.TXT
DIR A: HELLO.TXT

Activity completed.
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO
SUBDIRECTORES—THE PATH
 A Brief Introduction to Subdirectories—The
Path
 Subdirectories are used primarily on hard
disks.
 Allows grouping of files by type.
 Allows disk to be divided into smaller,
more manageable sections.
 Windows refers to subdirectories as folders.
 Graphically represented with folder
icons.
 In command line shell folders referred to
as directories and subdirectories.
 Subdirectories can contain other
subdirectories.
 In C:\MYFILES\REPORTS\REP.DOC
 First backslash (\) always represents root
directory.
 The other backslashes are delimiters separators between elements in the path.
(elements being subdirectories).
 Every disk comes with one directory named
by operating system.
 Other subdirectories are created and named
by user.
 Rules for naming are same as for naming
files.
 Do not usually have extensions.
 Subdirectory name is called the path name.
 Path is route followed by operating
system to locate, save, and retrieve a file.
 When you see "path" in a syntax
diagram substitute the directory name or
names.
Chapter 2
Command Syntax
 If on network hard drive letter may not be
C:
 Discuss using default vs. giving drive to be
searched.

DIR A: HELLO TXT – very clear request – drive
designator preceded file name.
SECTION 2.13 (pp. 62-63)
 Slides 42-49
 Subdirectories used with large storage










media, i.e., RW-CDs or Zip disks.
Technically, only one directory (the root),
all others are subdirectories.
Terms "directory" and "subdirectories" used
interchangeably in this text.
Subdirectories can be used on any disk hard or floppy.
Directory/subdirectory names cannot be
letters of the alphabet.
Letters of the alphabet are reserved for disk
drive names.
Forward slashes (/) for parameters.
Backslashes (\) for directories.
Use analogy of file cabinet (disk) and
drawer (subdirectory).
Discussion Question (14) - Define default
subdirectory.
Discussion Question (15) - How can you tell
which directory is the default subdirectory?
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 8
Instructor: Prof. Michael P Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
ACTIVITY—USING PATH WITH DIR
Using Path with the DIR Command
 “ACTIVITIES Disk-Working Copy” in
Drive A. C:\> is displayed.
 Activity steps.
 Key in:



DIR A:
DIR A:\DATA
DIR A:\DATA\THIN.EST
SECTION 2.14 (pp. 63-65)
 Slide 50
 <DIR> - indicates subdirectory listing.
 Use of backslash as delimiter for path
names.
 Backslash.
First \ is the root directory.
Other \’s are delimiters.

Activity completed.
CHANGING DEFAULTS
 Changing Defaults
 Default drives can be changed so OS
automatically uses drive displayed on screen
as default drive.
 Text assumes C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32.
 Be sure filled out information on
Configuration Table in Chapter 1.6.
ACTIVITY—CHANGING THE DEFAULT
DRIVE
 Changing the Default Drive
 “ACTIVITIES Disk—Working Copy” in
Drive A. C: \> is displayed.
 Activity steps.


Change default to A:\>
Key in:
 DIR DISKCOPY.COM
 DIR C:\DISKCOPY.COM


Chapter 2
Command Syntax
DIR C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DISKCOPY.COM
Activity completed.
SECTION 2.15 (p. 65)
 Slide 51
 Command line is not case sensitive.
 Inform students of any differences in your
lab.
 Prompt displayed on screen could look
different from textbook prompt.
SECTION 2.16 (pp. 65-67)
 Slide 52
 Stress importance of noticing default drive.
 Emphasize that C:\ is major subdirectory for
most users.


Discussion Question (16) - What steps must be
done to change the default drive? Why would
you change the drives?
Discussion Question (17) – What does A:\>
mean?
CHANGING DIRECTORIES
 Changing Directories
SECTION 2.17 (p. 67)
 Default directory can be changed as easily as  Slides 53-55
default drive.
Discussion Question (19) – What steps must be
 Once default drive is established can
done to change a directory? Why would you
establish default directory.
change a directory?
- Do not need to specify path as default is
specified.
 To change directory, key in CD (change
directory), followed by the directory (path)
name.

Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 9
Instructor: Prof. Michael P Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems


If you key in CD with no parameters, the
directory that is current is the default
directory.
To change drives at same time as you
change directories, use /D parameter.
ACTIVITY—CHANGING DIRECTORIES
 Changing Directories
 “ACTIVITIES Disk—Working Copy” is in
Drive A. A: \> is displayed.
 Activity steps.
 Key in the following:








Chapter 2
Command Syntax
C:
CD
CD \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32
DIR DISKCOPY.COM
CD
CD /D A:\DATA
DIR
CD \

Activity completed.
GLOBAL FILE SPECIFICATIONS:
WILDCARDS, THE ?, AND THE *
 Global File Specifications: Wildcards, (?, and *)
 Allow you to work with a group of files.
 Formally called global file specifications.
 Informally called wildcards.
 * represents a group of characters.
 ? represents a single character.
 Techniques used here will also apply in
Search in the GUI (in Windows Desktop).
SECTION 2.18 (pp. 67-69)
 Slide 56
 CD keyed in alone will display current
default directory.
 CD followed by path (directory name) will
change default directory.
 CD \ will always return to root directory.
 First backslash always means root directory
and other backslash is a delimiter.

SECTION 2.19 (pp.69-70)
 Slides 57-58
 DIR command & file name find one specific
file.
 Global file specifications to find group of
files.
 Use analogy of playing cards where joker
can stand for another card of your choice.

ACTIVITY—DIR AND WILDCARDS
 DIR and Wildcards
 “ACTIVITIES Disk—Working Copy” in
Drive A:. A: \> is displayed.
 Activity steps.



Key in: C:
Key in: CD \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32
Key in the following:
 DIR G
 DIR G*.*
Discussion Question (20) – What is the
significance of the first backslash in a
command?
Discussion Question (20) - Define global file
specifications.
SECTION 2.20 (pp. 70-75)
 Slide 59
 Stress importance of knowing directory
where the files are located.
 Emphasize that even though DIR G will
find files, should get used to using DIR
G*.*
 Examples of using *.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 10
Instructor: Prof. Michael P Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems







DIR *.SYS
DIR A:\*.TXT
DIR A:\?????.TXT
DIR A:\EXP*.*
DIR A:\EXP99*.*
DIR A:\EXP??JAN.*
CD \

Activity completed.
REDIRECTION
 Redirection
 Keyboard = standard input device.
 Screen (monitor) = standard output device.
 Redirection tells OS to redirect output
somewhere else.
 Usually to file or printer.
 Printer.
 Must be local, not network printer.
 Works only with commands that write to
standard output.
 Redirection works with DIR.
 Does not work with all commands.
 Syntax is:
 COMMAND >
DESTINATION
 Space req. on both sides of >.
ACTIVITY—REDIRECTING OUTPUT TO A
FILE
 Redirecting Output to a File
 “ACTIVITIES Disk—Working Copy” in
Drive A. C:\ is displayed.
 Activity steps.




Key in: A:
Key in: DIR *.NEW
Key in: DIR *.NEW > MY.HW
Key in: DIR MY.HW
Chapter 2
Command Syntax
 Compare using * and ?
 If group has common file extension .SYS
can display files using wild cards *.SYS


Discussion Question (22) - How are wildcards
used?
Discussion Question (22) - If you see
C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32> on the screen, what
does it mean?
SECTION 2.21 (pp. 75-76)
 Slides 60-62
 Must use correct device name for printer.
- PRN for default printer
- LPT1, LPT2, LPT3 for printer attached to
specific port.
 If using network printer must know name
of network printer.
 Can name file.
 Devices have specific names.

Discussion Question (24) - What is the purpose
and function of redirection?
SECTION 2.22 (pp. 76-77)
 Slide 63
 Discuss how to deal with write-protected
disks.
 Remind students that redirection is an
“instead of” procedure.

Activity completed.
REDIRECTING OUTPUT TO THE PRINTER
 Redirecting Output to the Printer
 Can redirect output of DIR command to
printer to get a hard copy.
SECTION 2.23 (pp. 77-78)
 Slides 64-65
 Review how disk drives are named.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 11
Instructor: Prof. Michael P Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems



Printer device name is PRN, LPT1, LPT2,
and sometimes LPT3.
PRN and LPT1 are usually synonymous.
Must know network printer name to redirect
to network printer.
ACTIVITY—REDIRECTING THE OUTPUT
TO THE PRINTER
 Redirecting the Output to the Printer
 Can this activity be done in the lab?
 “ACTIVITIES Disk—Working Copy” in
Drive A. A: \> is default. Printer on.
 Activity steps.


Key in: DIR *.TXT
Key in: DIR *.TXT > PRN.

Activity completed.
GETTING HELP
 Getting Help
 Prior to DOS 5.0, was HELP in manual.
 Reference manual is called documentation.
 In DOS 6.0 and above, documentation found
more online than in written form.
 For procedures/methods used in Windows
GUI, use Help choice on Start menu.
 May get help on command line
commands in GUI help.
 For help with command and syntax within
DOS environment.
 Key in name of command followed by a
space, a forward slash and question
mark.
 Use HELP followed by command name.
 Commands and syntax listed in
Appendix B.
Chapter 2
Command Syntax
 Any special printing procedures in lab?
 Difference between numeral one and letter l.
SECTION 2.24 (pp. 78-79)
 Slides 66-67
 NOTE:
- Are there special lab instructions?
- Is this a Read-only activity?
- Need local printer to do this activity.Unless your lab has additional instructions.
 Redirection is an “instead of” procedure.
 Hardware solutions – manipulate hardware
to get desired results.
--Done if page not ejected from local
printer.
SECTION 2.25 (pp. 79-80)
 Slides 68-70
 Paper documentation still useful, i.e., if
cannot boot system, what do you do?
 For procedures/methods in Windows GUI –
good database info accessed via HELP
choice on Start Menu.

Discussion Question (25) - What would you do
if you forgot the parameter for a wide DIR
display?
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 12
Instructor: Prof. Michael P Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
ACTIVITY—GETTING HELP WITH A
COMMAND
 Getting Help with a Command
 ACTIVITIES Disk—Working Copy” in
Drive A. Default drive/directory is A: \>.
 Activity steps.











Key in following commands:
DIR /?
DIR /ON
DIR /O-N
DIR /S
DIR /BLP
DIR /B /L /P
Press <Enter> until end of display is reached.
Key in: EXIT
Initiate and complete Windows shut-down
procedure.
Chapter 2
Command Syntax
SECTION 2.26 (pp. 80-84)
 Slide 71
 Review.
- Commands – verbs OS acts upon.
- Use of mouse.
- Parameters available with DIR command.
Activity completed.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line, Instructor’s Manual
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Page 13