What is Operating System?

An operating system or OS, is a software program that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. It is the first program loaded into a computer. Without a computer operating system, a computer and software programs would be useless.

GUI - Short for Graphical User Interface, a GUI Operating System contains graphics and icons and is commonly navigated by using a computer mouse. See the GUI definition for a complete definition. Below are some examples of GUI Operating Systems.

System 7.xWindows 98Windows CE

Multi-user - A multi-user operating system allows for multiple users to use the same computer at the same time and different times. See the multi-user definition for a complete definition for a complete definition. Below are some examples of multi-user operating systems.

LinuxUnixWindows 2000

Multiprocessing - An operating system capable of supporting and utilizing more than one computer processor. Below are some examples of multiprocessing operating systems.

LinuxUnixWindows 2000

Multitasking - An operating system that is capable of allowing multiple software processes to run at the same time. Below are some examples of multitasking operating systems.

UnixWindows 2000

Multithreading - Operating systems that allow different parts of a software program to run concurrently. Operating systems that would fall into this category are:

LinuxUnixWindows 2000

MS-DOS

Short for Microsoft Disk operating system, MS-DOS is a non-graphical command line operating system derived from 86-DOS that was created for IBM compatible computers. MS-DOS was first introduced by Microsoft in August 1981 and was last updated in 1994 when MS-DOS 6.22 was released. Today, MS-DOS is no longer used; however, the command shell, more commonly known as the Windows command line is still used by many users. In the picture to the right, is an example of what a MS-DOS window more appropriately referred to as the Windows command line looks like under Microsoft Windows.

What is a command shell?

A program that interprets commands Allows a user to execute commands by typing them manually at a terminal, or automatically

in programs called shell scripts. A shell is not an operating system. It is a way to interface with the operating system and run

commands.

DOS and Windows command line Top 10 commands

Below is a listing of the top 10 MS-DOS commands most commonly used and that you will most likely be using during a normal DOS session.

1. cd -(Change Directory) is a command used to switch directories in MS-DOS.2. dir -allows you to see the available files in a directory.3. copy -Allows the user to copy one or more files to an alternate location.4. del -used to delete files from the computer.5. edit -allows a user to view, create, or modify computer files.6. move -Allows you to move files or directories from one folder to another.7. ren (rename)- Used to rename files and directories from the original name to a new name.8. deltree -used to delete files and directories permanently from the computer.9. cls -allows a user to clear the complete contents of the screen and leave only a prompt.10. format -used to erase information off of a computer diskette or fixed drive.