If You Have Never Used Compute

Hard Disk Management: Level 2 BATCH FILES ----------- These are user created files that have the extension .BAT The file itself contains lines of DOS commands. Some think of these files as "macros". They can be created with an ASCII text editor including the built in EDLIN editor (see below), or can be created from "the console" (keyboard) via COPY CON. These are very useful for program startups. Use the TYPE command to view the contents of a batch file: C:\>TYPE 123.BAT c:\ cd\lotus 123 cd\ cls Use the PRINT command to print out the contents of a batch file: C:\>PRINT AUTOEXEC.BAT The PRINT command is like the TYPE command except it is ...

Hard Disk Management - Level 1: DOS Disk Operating System (Director Of Services) --- Master control program for the flow of information within a PC. One of its primary functions is to oversee all disk activities - reading/writing information from/to a disk, and loading/executing programs. It controls (links) all hardware devices so they may communicate with one another including: Floppy Drives: 5.25", 3.5" Hard Drives: 10mb, 20mb, ..... Ram Disk: Simulates a disk drive from within RAM Laser Disk: "CD's" for computers Tape Storage Device: Backup system typically using cassette type tapes PLUS, Screen, Keyboard, Printer, Modem,...

DOS Level 3: The world of DOS is a large one. There are many, many commands with optional switches in the realm of file management. Fortunately, like most software there is a flow and feel to DOS. After you are familiar with the core commands, looking up additional ones and figuring out how to use them becomes easier. The pattern is a DOS word (DIR, COPY, DEL....) followed by the necessary, minimum information to make it go. For example: A>DIR B: DIR only needs the drive the directory is desired A>Copy C:sample.doc B: COPY needs 3 pieces of information - what file on which drive is to be copied to which drive A>DEL B:Test.EXE DEL needs 2...

DOS Level 2: We have seen that DOS's mission is one of file management. Every software has a purpose and DOS's is for housekeeping of files. However, we also saw that DOS is unique because we can't run the computer without it. We must "boot" the system with the internal DOS files each time we start the computer. Finally, most people don't realize that DOS is also the Swedish word for toilet. Which DOS is more important in your life? Too obvious to comment. WHEN A COMPUTER IS POWERED-UP ----------------------------- What actually happens when the computer is started? First, a factory preset set of instructions residing in ROM are activate...

DOS Level 1: SOFTWARE: Sets of programs (stored sets of instructions) that govern the operation of computer system and make the hardware run. These programs (instructions) tell the hardware how to perform a particular task such as word processing, games, database management, etc. DOS --- DOS - Disk Operating System - is a piece of software. However, it is different from most software because a computer cannot run without it. It is the first piece of software that is installed in RAM every time the computer is turned on. When the user first starts the computer, the DOS files must be available in either the A drive or on a Hard Disk. The c...

HARDWARE: CENTRAL PROCESSOR UNIT (CPU): Heart of the PC - it contains the microprocessor. The CPU is a set of miniaturized circuits that does all the "thinking". It controls the interpretation (arithmetic-logic unit) and execution (control unit) of instructions. It is this CPU in conjunction with RAM that comprise the computer's "brain". The CPU does the "thinking/calculating" while RAM contains the instructions or "memories". It is the CPU that largely determines the operating speed of the computer. BIT: Smallest unit of information recognized by the computer. BIT is short for Binary Digit. A Binary Digit can be either a 0 or a 1. S...

IF YOU HAVE NEVER USED A COMPUTER BEFORE: Welcome! Computers have been around since the Chinese Abacus. They are here to stay. There is a certain feel and flow to the logic which directs their activities. Electronically all computers work about the same. The one you are using is called a MICROcomputer. This is due to its size. Larger computers include MINIcomputers and Mainframe computers. RAM --- Think of a computer as a human brain. Your brain is a memory sponge. It contains a lifetime of memories which cause us to act or react based on inputs. Inputs come via our 5 senses. If you see and smell a steak burning on the grill (inputs) you...