Computer fundamentals; Best Information in Short.

The Computer Fundamentals

Disk Operating System (DOS) - it is a collection of special programs that supervise and control the operation of the personal computer. 
Functions of DOS: (a.) interprets and executes commands. (b.) manages the disks, files and directories. (c.) oversees and communicates with peripheral devices. 


Parts of DOS: 


(a.) DOS System Files - it consists of three files: two hidden system files and visible system files: 
(1.) COMMAND.COM - this is the DOS Command Processor and is the interface between the user and DOS. As a command processor, it handles the execution of commands. It is loaded to the computer"s memory upon booting. It is responsible for displaying the system prompt. It access key from the keyboard and interprets the commands so that they can be acted upon by DOS. 
(2.) IBMBIO.COM (Basic Input/Output) - handles the input and output between the computer and its peripheral devices like the disk or the printer. It is hard-coded in the ROM of the microcomputer and cannot be touched by the computer user. It provides basic functions for the computer to communicate with the user. It provides the background and foreground colors on a color monitor. 
(3.) IBMDOS.COM - forms the heart of DOS. It receives all request for DOS service functions and converts them into a form understandable by IBMBIO.COM. It reads and writes data on a storage device. It refers back to the BIOS to handle input and output functions. Application programs could not run without DOS. 




(b.)Internal DOS Commands - these are the programs that reside in the memory of the computer. These commands are referred to as "resident commands". When you type in internal commands, MS-DOS performs them immediately because they were loaded into the computers memory when the system was booted up. 
Examples of Internal DOS Commands: 
CHDIR - changes from one directory or sub-directory to another. 
CLS - clears the screen. 
COPY - copies one or more files to another storage location. 
DATE - displays or sets the date. 
DEL - deletes files from a storage location. 
DIR - lists a file from a directory or sub-directory. 
MKDIR - creates a new sub-directory. 
PATH - displays or sets a search path for executable files. 
TIME - displays or sets the time. 
VER - displays the MS-DOS version number. 
PROMPT - use to set a new DOS prompt or reset the normal DOS prompt. 
RENAME - use to change a file names within the same disk directory.