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Text File | 1993-08-16 | 25.3 KB | 547 lines

---------------------------------------------------------------- DOS VERSION 5.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------- In 1991 Microsoft made DOS more powerful, smarter, sleeker and vastly more helpful. A variety of major and minor changes provided something useful for everyone. While most computer owners can take advantage of this cornucopia of new features, a few may not need to upgrade to DOS 5.0. Novices should recall that DOS version 5.0 contains features of all previous DOS versions, so be sure to study prior DOS tutorials contained elsewhere in PC- Learn. TIP: Not sure what version of DOS you are using? At the DOS prompt, just type the following command: VER <then press enter/return key> Changes and additions provided by DOS 5.0: An on-line help system was added so that users could access brief "help screens" for reminders about specific DOS command syntax and usage. The DOS manual was also substantially improved and rewritten. By using the extended or "high memory" system of computers equipped with 80286, 80386 or 80486 CPU processors and additional RAM memory beyond the conventional 640K, DOS 5.0 can now load memory resident programs, device drivers and even DOS itself into extended memory thus leaving more room in conventional memory for application software - a potent plus for memory starved software. Up to 622K of memory can be made available to conventional memory. Microsoft Windows 3.1 applications and large DOS applications such as spreadsheets and database programs accelerate with access to this additional memory. A new extended memory manager allows 80386 or 80486 computers to turn extended memory into LIM (Lotus-Intel-Microsoft) expanded memory. This provides popular programs such as Lotus 123 and others with the capability to automatically use memory more effectively and releases additional conventional memory for data and application software. New commands such as UNDELETE, MIRROR and UNFORMAT were added to allow for the recovery of accidentally deleted files or subdirectories. A new DOSKEY command was also added to allow for convenient recall of previous DOS command keystrokes and also provides keyboard macro commands. A new graphical interface or shell and full screen "mini-word processor" text editor was made available. Users can work from the DOS prompt command line or the new shell and text editor. The GWBASIC language system, present in most versions of DOS, was provided with a fresh new interface and editor. The setup or installation routine for DOS 5.0 cleverly allows users to backup earlier DOS files - just in case they need to return to a previous DOS version - and smoothly glides through installation without the need to completely reformat a hard drive from scratch, an annoying hallmark of earlier DOS versions. Beyond these major features, smaller items provide icing on a useful software cake: A new SETVER command allows the user to change the apparent DOS version number so that older, finicky programs which demand a unique version of DOS run properly. The DOS directory or DIR command has been updated with additional switches which let users sort directory listings in a variety of ways without using the cumbersome SORT command. Hard drive users also benefit from DOS 5.0 modifications. DOS 5.0 can now create hard drive data partitions of up to 2 gigabytes and can now function with more than two physical drives at a time. In a series of hard drives, now only one drive is required to contain a DOS partition for the entire system to work - a substantial savings in hard disk space. Owners of older 8088 and 8086 CPU equipped machines - XT class computers - may find the urge to upgrade to DOS 5.0 to be less than overwhelming since the advanced memory management features are unusable on a machine having only 640K of RAM memory. However the new UNDELETE, UNFORMAT and MIRROR commands, refined editor, DOSKEY utility, improved Qbasic programming language interface and on-line help may be reason and convenience enough to upgrade. Owners of 80286, 80386 or 80486 CPU equipped machines will probably wish to upgrade to DOS 5.0 to take advantage of the additional conventional memory which can be released for application software as well as the relocation of device drivers into high memory on 80386 and 80486 computers. New or modified DOS 5.0 commands include: -- DOSKEY -- (External) This DOS utility allows you to recall and edit DOS commands you previously entered at the DOS prompt. Unlike pressing the F3 key which recalls only the last command typed, DOSKEY gives you access to all previous commands typed and allows you to edit or change them. Keyboard macros or series of keystroke sequences may also be recorded and edited. DOSKEY is a memory resident TSR program (terminate and stay resident) which uses about 3K of conventional memory. Note that in the syntax examples which follow, you may use one or several switches following a command if you wish: (Example) DOSKEY /REINSTALL /HISTORY /OVERSTRIKE In the above example three parameter switches follow the command. Note in DOS syntax examples which follow that the bracket symbols [ and ] are NOT typed at the DOS prompt, but only serve to indicate an OPTIONAL parameter or switch. If you see a | symbol within a syntax example, it means run EITHER the command prior to the | OR run the command following the |, but NOT both commands at the same time. Do not confuse the | symbol given in a syntax example with the "piping symbol" which is a DOS redirection method sometimes used in DOS commands. For example, the syntax entry below provides for EITHER the /INSERT switch OR the /OVERSTRIKE switch. DOSKEY syntax is: DOSKEY [/REINSTALL] [/BUFSIZE=size] [/MACROS] [/HISTORY] [/INSERT|/OVERSTRIKE] [macro=[text]] Parameters: /REINSTALL Installs new copy of DOSKEY /BUFSIZE=size Set buffer size to "size" bytes (default=512) /MACROS Display current macros /HISTORY Display command history /INSERT When editing, default to insert mode /OVERSTRIKE When editing, default to overstrike mode macro Name of macro to load or run text Macro definition Note that macros override or take precedence over internal commands such as DIR and CLS. Using this feature you can define new, personal DOS commands. (Example) DOSKEY FINDIT=DIR \$1 /S /B Using the above DOSKEY definition you have created a new command called FINDIT such that when you type FINDIT *.WKS all spreadsheet files (which usually end in WKS) will be displayed and listed on screen. DOSKEY can use advanced DOS characters such as piping, input and output redirection and replaceable parameters (e.g., |, >, <, $1) -- DOSSHELL -- (External) This is a useful menu program for those preferring a visual "point and shoot" method of dealing with DOS and managing files, rather than typing commands at the DOS prompt. It is mouseable and provides a file viewer and task switcher so you can jump between software programs and return exactly where you left off without having to exit each application software program in progress. DOSSHELL syntax is: DOSSHELL [/G[:res[n]]|/T[:res[n]]] /B Parameters: /G Start DOSSHELL in graphics mode res Sets screen resolution with L = low res, M = medium res, H = High res. n Resolution number which varies depending on video card/adapter in use /T Shell is run in text mode /B Shell is run in black and white mode Several functions can ONLY be run from DOSSHELL. For example, DOSSHELL's rename function can rename a subdirectory which cannot be done with the RENAME command from the DOS prompt command line. Likewise, the task switching function can only be run from DOSSHELL and cannot be activated from the command line DOS prompt. -- EDIT -- (External) This is a full-screen text editor or "mini-word processor" which offers a practical, intuitive alternative to the previous DOS EDLIN text processor. EDIT features text search and replace capabilities, pull-down menus, on-line help, and block moves. EDIT syntax is: EDIT [[d:] [path] filename] [/B] [/G] [/H] [/NOHI] Parameters: filename Name of the file to be edited /B Run editor in black and white mode /G Run editor with fast updates on CGA screens /H Display maximum number of allowable lines /NOHI High intensity colors are removed/suppressed EDIT will not run without the companion file QBASIC.EXE in the current directory or path. When you start EDIT, internal changes are made to QBASIC's editor and you are in fact running a modified version of QBASIC's own editor! -- EMM386 -- (External) This utility is a memory manager for the "upper memory area" of DOS, sometimes called the UMA. It can make your computer's extended memory simulate expanded memory - if you have extra RAM memory installed beyond the conventional 640K amount. This is useful for software programs such as a spreadsheet which can increase performance when given access to expanded memory. Users of computers having an 80386 or 80486 CPU can also load programs and device drivers into this upper memory area. Typically those using upper or high memory will have 1 Meg, 2 Megs or even 4 Megs of RAM memory available. EMM386 syntax is: EMM386 [ON|OFF|AUTO] [W=ON|OFF] Parameters: ON Enables the EMM386 device driver OFF Disables the EMM386 device driver AUTO Device driver placed in auto mode W=ON Enables Weitek math coprocessor W=OFF Disables Weitek math coprocessor Note that a few software applications will not work with the EMM386 driver due to virtual-8086 CPU operation of EMM386. Placing EMM386 in either OFF mode (shuts driver off until reactivated with the ON command) or AUTO mode (automatically disables when application begins, then enables EMM386 when application exits) solves this problem. You cannot switch EMM386 to OFF or AUTO mode when EMM386 is providing expanded memory to an application such as your spreadsheet or if there are TSR software programs or device drivers loaded into upper memory which EMM386 is managing. -- HELP -- (External) This command provides help/reminder screens about DOS command syntax and use. To obtain a complete list of all DOS commands, simply type HELP at the DOS prompt. Slightly faster, if you need help with only a single command is to type HELP /? If you know the specific DOS command for which you need help, simply type HELP and the command name. (Example) HELP COPY HELP syntax is: HELP [command] -- HIMEM.SYS -- (External) This device driver manages extended memory including the HMA (high memory area) and prevents programs from simultaneously using the same area of memory. HIMEM.SYS is usually installed via a statement in your CONFIG.SYS file and should precede in the CONFIG.SYS file other device drivers which use extended memory such as EMM386, SMARTDRIVE.SYS or RAMDRIVE.SYS. -- LOADHIGH -- (External) Allows the user to load a TSR program such as a calculator or other "popup" program into the upper memory area of RAM. LOADHIGH syntax is: LOADHIGH [d:] [path] filename [parameters] Parameters: filename Name of the program to load into high memory parameters Parameters used by the program loaded Warning: note that LOADHIGH will, without notice, load a program into conventional lower memory if there is insufficient upper memory to accomplish the task. LOADHIGH will not warn you of this result, but you can use the MEM/C command to determine where the program was loaded or to verify memory configuration if in doubt. -- MEM -- (External) This DOS 5.0 utility provides a concise listing of memory use. It provides information on which programs, device drivers and buffers are in use, memory consumed, free memory and location of all software. Works with conventional, expanded and extended memory. MEM syntax is: MEM [/CLASSIFY|/DEBUG|PROGRAM] Parameters: /CLASSIFY Provide list of programs in conventional and or /C upper memory /DEBUG Provide list of programs and device drivers or /D loaded in memory /PROGRAM Provide list of programs in memory or /P The /C parameter switch is perhaps the most useful for determining contents of upper memory and may called from a batch file such as AUTOEXEC.BAT to confirm critical upper memory usage. -- MIRROR -- (External) This unique utility creates a special "tracking" file which stores the location of files which have been deleted but can be located and "unerased" with the UNDELETE and UNFORMAT commands. By keeping a detailed record of deleted files by loading MIRROR, chances are improved for file recovery in case an unwanted deletion occurs. It can also backup a copy of the hard disk partition tables to floppy in case of massive file deletions or virus infection. MIRROR has three distinct functions. MIRROR syntax and parameters are: MIRROR /PARTN Creates a backup copy of hard disk partition tables. MIRROR d: [/1] Creates MIRROR disaster recovery file used by UNFORMAT command MIRROR /Tdrive[-entries] [...] The above command places MIRROR in memory resident mode and provides deletion tracking in memory which can be used by the UNDELETE command MIRROR /U Removes the MIRROR utility from memory Parameters: /PARTN Makes backup of disk partition tables /1 Retains only latest disk information /Tdrive Provide deletion tracking for drive specified entries Within a range of 1 to 999, provide deletion tracking for the specified number of entries for the specified drive The value of the MIRROR command lies in frequent use to prevent data loss due to accidental formatting, virus infection or other disk problems where sensitive files must be reliably maintained. -- QBASIC -- (External) Entire volumes have been written about Qbasic, also known as QuickBasic. It is a complete programming language that allows you to design custom software for jobs which DOS programming cannot provide. Qbasic provides a way to construct small databases, printing software, calculators or simple business accounting software. Qbasic, as delivered with DOS 5.0, is an interpreter which must be present at all times along with your software program. A basic compiler, which is an entirely different programming package, allows you to build standalone software packages which do not require a Qbasic interpreter to be present. Qbasic includes a workable program text editor for easy program construction. Basic programs use the extension BAS. For example you might see a file named BASEBALL.BAS which is run by loading it into the Qbasic interpreter. If you load Qbasic then can't figure how to get back to DOS, type the command SYSTEM then hit the return key/press enter. Qbasic syntax is: QBASIC [/B] [/EDITOR] [/G] [/H] [/MBF] [/NOHI] [[/RUN][d:] [path]filename] Parameters: /B Starts Qbasic in black and white mode /EDITOR Starts only the DOS editor /G Fast screen update on CGA displays /H Display maximum number of lines /MBF Change the internal Qbasic functions as follows: CVD to CVDMBF CVS to CVSMBF MKS$ to MKSMBF$ MKD$ to MKDMBF$ /NOHI Suppress colors in high intensity hues /RUN Run program specified by filename filename Name of Basic program to run You can now run a Qbasic program from a batch file, then return control back to the original batch file. Use the /RUN parameter switch and make the final statement in the Qbasic program SYSTEM. -- SETVER -- (External) This small, but necessary utility is of use when you need to reset the internal DOS version number - such as DOS 5.0 - to an earlier version number so that older software which checks this number will run reliably. SETVER also updates a list of programs and the required DOS version number each program needs. If a program refuses to load and run or reports an incorrect DOS version number, SETVER may be the utility you need. Simply add the name of the problem software application and required DOS version number to the SETVER data list. Note that SETVER only works when it is loaded with a DEVICE or DEVICEHIGH statement in the CONFIG.SYS file. When you update or change entries in the SETVER data table, you must restart your computer to update the changes. SETVER syntax is: SETVER [d:path] [filename] [n.nn] [/DELETE] [/QUIET] Parameters: d:path Drive and path where SETVER is stored filename Filename of software program to which a version number is given n.nn Version number to report: 2.11, for example /DELETE Delete an entry from the SETVER data table /QUIET Remove/suppress messages when /DELETE is active -- SHELL -- (External) This utility is a versatile menu system which lets you move, copy, delete, view and manage files with a point and click menu interface. File viewing is available in either ASCII plaintext or hexadecimal display mode. An onboard task switcher lets you start a software application, freeze the screen and data, exit to a different application then later return to your first application where you left off. New file management capabilities allow you to search an entire hard drive for a file, alter file attributes and even associate data files with a parent software application. Once the data is associated or "linked" to its parent software application, you can start the program simply by clicking on the data file - such as a spreadsheet template or word processing document. The shell display operates in graphics modes including 43 and 60 line displays. The shell consists of several operational files and help screens such as SHELLB.COM, SHELLC.EXE, SHELL.ASC, SHELL.CLR, SHELL.HLP and SHELL.MEU. -- SMARTDRIVE.SYS -- (External) This utility creates a disk cache in RAM memory which can speed up the performance of software applications which frequently access the hard drive. When using a cache, frequently needed data is stored in a fast RAM memory area rather than waiting for the more slowly accessed disk. By default SMARTDRIVE.SYS is installed to extended memory to conserve conventional memory space for software applications. Using the /A switch after the command forces installation to expanded memory. Since SMARTDRIVE.SYS is a device driver, it must be installed as a DEVICE= statement in your CONFIG.SYS file. -- UNDELETE -- (External) Allows accidentally deleted files to be recovered. Since DOS deletes files by merely removing the filename from a master index called the allocation table, it is possible to recover the data if a recovery attempt is made SOON after the file is deleted to prevent newer files from eventually erasing the older data. Using the DOS MIRROR program substantially increases the recovery chance from file deletion disasters. UNDELETE syntax is: UNDELETE [[d:][path]filename] [/LIST|/ALL] [/DOS|/DT] Parameters: filename Name of file(s) to undelete /LIST List the file which might be recoverable /ALL Undelete all files without prompting for first letter of each filename /DOS Ignore delete tracking file /DT Use delete tracking file A quick shortcut if you need to undelete several files without halting to supply the first letter of each one is to move to the directory where the files were stored by using the CHANGE DIRECTORY or CD command, then enter UNDELETE /ALL. Since you are in the directory in question, UNDELETE will recover all files which you can later rename if necessary. -- UNFORMAT -- (External) Provides the capability to restore the directory structure of a floppy or hard disk which has been accidentally formatted with the FORMAT command or restructured with the RECOVER command. Also provides capability to rebuild damaged hard disk partition/allocation tables. Works with local drives - will not work with drives which are part of a LAN (local area network.) Use UNFORMAT to display hard disk partition info by typing the command: UNFORMAT /PARTN /L UNFORMAT syntax is: UNFORMAT /PARTN [/L] Restores hard drive partition table UNFORMAT d: [/U] [/L] [/TEST] [/P] Above unformats a hard or floppy disk UNFORMAT d: /J Verifies that a disk contains MIRROR data file Parameters: /PARTN Saves copy of hard disk partition tables /L Displays partition info for selected drive. Without the /L switch: list every file and subdirectory found and ignore MIRROR data file if existent. /U Unformat a disk without using MIRROR data file /TEST Perform test unformat. Do not actually unformat. /P Send report/data to printer port LPT1 /J Verify MIRROR data file Tutorial finished. Have you registered PC-Learn to receive your bonus disks? Registration is encouraged. Shareware works on the honor system! 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