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1. Need to find out what DOS version you are running? Enter "VER" at the command line. Unfortunately, Windows users from WIN95 forward will only get the Windows version and not the DOS version that accompanies it.
4DOS users will get both the 4DOS version and the underlying DOS manufacturer's version number.
2. Many computer users dislike DOS because of all the typing. (This is despite the fact that they are willing to type an eight-screen e-mail to a co-worker seated only a few metres away.) One method to reduce typing is to use a command-line recall program. DOSKEY is probably the best known. I use TODDY, a more powerful one:
www.wrotniak.net/hplx/hpsoft.html#tod
Regardless of which one is chosen, they all work in a similar manner by storing commands as each is entered at the system prompt. Any of these commands may be recalled by pressing a designated key to display a command list. Or, one may type the first few letters and press a key to have the command auto-completed. If more than one command matches, a list will be displayed from which the desired one may be selected. Commands may also be edited before ENTER is pressed.
Some of these programs offer features such as file and directory name completion, keyboard macros, and other utilities. Utilising one of these programs is a must if you work at the command line for any period of time.
3. Would you like to be able to step through a batch file one line at a time to debug it? STEP.bat below can do that.
:: STEP.bat :: Steps Through the Given Batch File a Line at a Time :: @ECHO OFF COMMAND /E:512 /Y /C %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9
Simply type STEP filename.bat and each line will appear and then pause. Answer `y' or `n' to run or skip it. When anything goes wrong, you will know which line caused the problem. At any time, you may skip the remainder of the batch file by pressing `ESCAPE'. Those using DR-DOS will still see each step, but pressing `Escape" will prevent each line from executing.
The Power is at the Command Line!
Richard Bonner is a DOS power user and has his own DOS website:
