Command prompt
The command prompt is the base on which today's operating systems like Windows is built up on. The command prompt is still being used by Unix and MS DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System). The command prompt is a pure test driven operating system. It was not easy to learn the command prompt operating systems back in the days when there was no mouse. These were the days when the keyboard was the only way of entering data into the computer. One needed the help of a person experienced in computers to learn how the command prompt worked. One required to be trained and needed some serious learning to understand the way computers worked. The command prompt is not a multi-tasking operating system neither is it a multi-user operating system.
The command prompt is still present at the heart of the Windows XP operating system. To start the command prompt in the Windows XP operating system there are two simple methods. One is by typing the "cmd" or "command" (excluding quotes) in the Run window that is present is the Start menu. The Run widow can be also initiated by pressing the windows and the "R" button simultaneously. The other is through Start, Programs, and Accessories in which you will find "Command Prompt". The command prompt is present in the form of executable files i.e. "cmd.exe" or "command.com". Both these files are located in the "Windows" folder, sub folder "System32", which is mostly present on the "C" drive.
Using the command prompt requires the user to memorize a number of commands. To use the command prompt one must be familiar with the commands. There are sub commands or options available for the commands. They are knows as switches. The "/" differentiates between the command and the switch. The switch could either be a word, letter or number. The "help" (excluding quotes) command is a common switch. This switch provides information on the other switches available. The most basic and commonly used commands are the CD and DIR command. Where CD stands for Change Directory while DIR stands for Directory. The CD command changes from the directory in which one is working in to another relevant directory. The DIR command will list the file and folders present in the current directory. With the various commands available on the command prompt one can carry out almost any procedure that can be done with the help of a mouse in the windows interface. For, example the command "TASKLIST" will provide all the programs currently running on the computer. This is similar the "Windows Task Manager", which is available in Windows by simultaneously pressing the Ctrl, Alt and Del keys. The command prompts version of the Task Manager provides more information than the Windows version. The EXIT command will allow the user to exit the command prompt.
Though the command Prompt is no longer being used as a desktop platform it still is available as a command shell in most of the operating systems today. The command prompt is embedded in the x86 systems. The command prompt requires less memory and minimum processor speed and it has a simple design.
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