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Chapter 4
Using MS-DOS With Your Computer
Once you have your computer system “up-and-running,” you
may begin to work with MS-DOS.
Virtually all application software available for IBM PC/XT and
PC/AT-compatible computer systems runs “under” MS-DOS.
Therefore, in order to use these programs, you need to learn
how to use MS-DOS. This chapter will give you a basic
understanding of MS-DOS and provide you with the basic
tools you need run application software on your computer
system. For more detailed explanation of the MS-DOS
operating system, see your MS-DOS USER’S GUIDE.
MS-DOS is an acronym for Microsoft Disk Operating System.
The disk operating system is a collection of programs that allow
you to control all the elements of your computer. When
booting up, the MS-DOS command file is copied from the MS-
DOS main disk into your computer’s memory. From there, it
controls the rest of the system.
During a normal operating session, you will want your
computer system to boot up in MS-DOS. Before that can
happen, however, you may need to install MS-DOS on your
system.
If your system does not have a hard disk system, you must
perform the installation routine to configure MS-DOS for
floppy disk-based operation.
If you do have a hard disk drive, but MS-DOS has not been
installed you must perform the installation routine to configure
MS-DOS for use on the hard disk system.
Using MS-DOS With
Your Computer
4-1