Personalize Windows - Enjoy - Articles about Computers

In the 80s and part of the 90s, computer users did not have an easy Windows point-and-click interface. People used something called DOS, and they had to remember commands that were typed in. It wasn't really that bad, and there are many advantages to DOS.

However, with today's Windows interface, we never have to remember commands. That's both good and bad. It's good, because anybody can learn how to use the computer. It's bad, because those typed commands allowed a great deal of flexibility that is no longer available in Windows.

Some of us miss that flexibility. Those who would like to go beyond the rigid simplicity of Windows are welcome to use a system that is reminiscent of DOS.

Click Start, Run in order to arrive at a stark screen with a small code (a "prompt") followed by a flashing cursor. That screen allows you to type in programs or instructions that are not listed in the standard Windows Programs dialogue box.

It does take some training to learn how to use it. Just to give you a small taste of the amazing possibilities, you can try some of the following:

Get flexibility with file displays

Type CD \Windows

You are now in the Windows directory.

You could have clicked around within My Computer or Explorer in order to arrive at the same location.

Type DIR

The entire screen of Windows files whizzes by, faster than you can read.

Type DIR/P

Only a single screenful of files appears. Click Enter, and you'll get another screenful of files. That's more useful.

Type DIR/W

Many more files appear in columns. However, some of them whiz by and do not appear on the screen.

Type DIR/W/P

You now have a single screenful of files in neat columns. Click Enter, and you'll get another screenful of files.

Type DIR/AN\

You'll get an alphabetical listing of files

Type DIR W*.*

You'll get a listing of all files that begin with the letter W

Type DIR W*.*/P

You'll get a single screenful of files that begin with the letter W. Click Enter, and you'll get another screenful of files.

You get the idea. There's a lot of flexibility in DOS that just doesn't exist in Windows.

Write a program

OK, strictly speaking this is not a program. However, it is a sequence of commands that you can create by yourself. It's very useful if you find that you are doing a number of activities in a certain order. Create this "batch file" (that's what it's called) and you can automate your work.

Your batch file will run one or more programs that are already located on your computer. Be sure that the file name lists the full file name and address.

Instructions for creating more DOS files are located in ancient DOS manuals and on the Internet. Keep the following guidelines in mind.

The file should end with .BAT
Place the completed file the C:\Windows\Command folder
Find that new file in the Command folder. Windows Explorer will help
To the left of the .BAT file is a small icon. Click on it
Click Properties, Program
Click Close On Exit, OK

How do you run your new program?

Click Start, Run. Type in the name of your new .BAT file and press Enter.

You can also right-click on the file and drag it from the Windows Explorer window to the desktop, and then create a shortcut. Just double-click on the shortcut to run your new program.

That's pleasure

Yes, you can enjoy your computer more if you are in full control of its activities. DOS does that - it puts you in control.

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