Chapter 13 - Introduction to MS-DOS & Windows Command Prompt

Hello my friend! Today we learn together Chapter 13: Introduction to MS-DOS & Windows Command Prompt with simple step-by-step explanation and video tutorials in Khmer language! Hope you learning this lesson and get more knowledge from this! Let's enjoy it!

If you want to see all lessons list, check out All Chapters of Computer Fundamentals! Now let's get started!

1. What is MS-DOS? History & Overview

MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) is a non-graphical Command Line Interface (CLI) operating system released by Microsoft in 1981 for IBM PC compatible computers:

• CLI (Command Line Interface) : Control computer by typing text commands on keyboard.
• GUI (Graphical User Interface) : Control computer by clicking icons with mouse (Windows 10/11).

Watch Video Tutorial (Part 1: MS-DOS Overview & History)

2. Directory Structure & File Paths

Files on a computer are stored inside a hierarchical tree structure:

• Drive Letter : Primary partition identifier (e.g. C:\ or D:\).
• Root Directory : Top-level folder (C:\).
• Subdirectories : Folders inside folders (e.g. C:\Users\Admin\Documents\).

Watch Video Tutorial (Part 2: Directory Structure in CLI)

3. Windows Command Prompt (cmd.exe)

In modern Windows, press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to launch the Command Prompt window:

• Switch Drives : Type drive letter followed by colon D: or E: to switch drive.
• Paths with Spaces : Always wrap folder names containing spaces inside double quotes cd "My Documents".

⚠️ CMD Deletion Warning: When you delete a file in Command Prompt using del filename.txt, it is deleted PERMANENTLY from hard disk and does NOT go to the Recycle Bin!

Watch Video Tutorial (Part 3: Command Prompt in Windows)

4. File Commands: Copy, Delete & Rename

Manage files directly from text terminal prompt:

• copy report.txt D:\Backup\ : Copy file to destination folder.
• ren oldname.txt newname.txt : Rename file.
• del file.txt : Delete file permanently.

Watch Video Tutorial (Part 4: Copy, Delete & Rename Commands)

5. Essential Commands, Navigation & Batch Files (.bat)

• dir : List files and subfolders in current folder (dir /p pauses per page; dir /w wide view).
• cd foldername : Change directory into subfolder (cd .. moves back up 1 parent level).
• mkdir foldername : Create a new folder.
• cls : Clear all text on Command Prompt screen.
• Batch Script (.bat) : Save text commands in a .bat file to run automated tasks with 1 double-click!

💡 Pro Tip: Type cd .. to instantly jump back 1 folder level, or type cd \ to jump straight back to the root C:\ drive!

Watch Video Tutorial (Part 5: Navigation Commands & Batch Files)

6. File Attributes & Advanced CLI Commands

• attrib +h secret.txt : Hide file from File Explorer window (-h unhides file).
• attrib +r read.txt : Lock file in Read-Only mode (-r unlocks file).
• tree : Display a visual tree diagram of all subfolders inside directory.

💡 Pro Tip: If a virus hides your files on a USB flash drive, run attrib -h -r -s /s /d G:\*.* to instantly unhide all lost files!

Watch Video Tutorial (Part 6: File Attributes & Command List Demo)

💡 Want to learn more? Check full lesson list here: All Chapters of Computer Fundamentals!

Happy mastering MS-DOS and Windows Command Prompt, my friend!