DOS For Dummies

by Gookin, Dan

• ISBN13: 9780764503610
• ISBN10: 0764503618
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-06-16
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Windows may rule the world of popular computing on PCs around the globe, but DOS still has a place in the hearts and minds of computer users who vaguely remember what a C prompt looks like. Even if DOS (with all its arcane commands and its drab, boring look) isn't your idea of the best way to get things done on a PC, you'll find plenty of fast and friendly help on hand with the third edition of DOS For Dummies.Here's a plain-speaking reference guide to all the command-line stuff and nonsense that makes DOS work, whether you're a native DOS user or are an occasional dabbler who needs the operating system to run all those cool games under Windows.DOS For Dummies, 3rd Edition, avoids all the technical jargon to cut to the heart of things with clear, easy-to-understand explanations and step-by-step help for Changing disks and drives Dealing with the DOS prompt Managing files Running DOS inside Windows Installing and running DOS-based software programs Working with the printer and serial ports Using the mouse and keyboard Troubleshooting problems Understanding DOS error messages All the basic DOS commands, from APPEND to XCOPY, are demystified to make life in DOS much more bearable. This handy guide has plenty of helpful tips and tricks for bending DOS to your will, without having to dedicate your life (and all your free time) to mastering this little corner of the PC.Author Dan Gookin's first edition of DOS For Dummies became an international best-seller. He considers himself a computer "guru" whose job it is to remind everyone that computers are not to be taken too seriously. His approach to computers is light and humorous, yet very informative. Gookin mixes his knowledge of computers with a unique, dry sense of humor that keeps you informed - and awake.

Author Biography

Dan Gookin has written more than 30 bestselling computer books, including PCs For Dummies<SUP>&#174;</SUP>, Buying a Comptuter For Dummies<SUP>&#174;</SUP>, Illustrated Computer Dictionary For Dummies<SUP>&#174;</SUP>, and Word 2000 For Windows<SUP>&#174;</SUP> For Dummies<SUP>&#174;</SUP>.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(4)
Part I: The Absolute Basics	5	(66)
Chapter 1: Getting On with It	7	(8)
Chapter 2: The PC Hokey-Pokey (Or That's What It's All About)	15	(10)
Chapter 3: Life at the DOS Prompt	25	(10)
Chapter 4: File Fitness (Stuff You Do with Files)	35	(16)
Chapter 5: Easier DOS: The DOS Shell	51	(10)
Chapter 6: DOS in Windows	61	(10)
Part II: The Non-Nerd's Guide to PC Hardware	71	(82)
Chapter 7: Your Basic Hardware: What It Is and Why	73	(10)
Chapter 8: RAM (Or Memory, the Way We Were)	83	(10)
Chapter 9: The Video Display (That's the Computer Screen)	93	(4)
Chapter 10: Keyboard and Mouse (Or Where Is the "Any" Key?)	97	(14)
Chapter 11: The Printer (Making the Right Impression)	111	(12)
Chapter 12: More on Modems	123	(16)
Chapter 13: All You (Don't) Want to Know about Disks	139	(14)
Part III: The Non-Nerd's Guide to PC Software	153	(72)
Chapter 14: Basic Software Setup	155	(10)
Chapter 15: Software Mystery Grab Bag	165	(8)
Chapter 16: Playing with the Editor	173	(16)
Chapter 17: The Hard Drive: Where You Store Stuff	189	(22)
Chapter 18: Files -- Lost and Found	211	(14)
Part IV: Yikes! (Or Help Me Out of This One!)	225	(48)
Chapter 19: When It's Time to Toss in the Towel (And Call a DOS Guru)	227	(12)
Chapter 20: After You Panic, Do This	239	(10)
Chapter 21: Diagnosing, Disinfecting, and Getting Help	249	(12)
Chapter 22: DOS Error Messages (What They Mean, What to Do)	261	(12)
Part V: The Part of Tens	273	(44)
Chapter 23: Ten Things You Should Do All the Time	275	(4)
Chapter 24: Ten Common Beginner Mistakes	279	(4)
Chapter 25: Ten Things You Should Never Do	283	(4)
Chapter 26: Ten Favorite DOS Commands	287	(6)
DOS Command Reference	293	(10)
Glossary	303	(14)
Index	317
Book Registration Information	Back of Book