Dr. DOS 6.0 Instant Reference

by Robert M. Thomas

Aims to provide easy access to concise information on every aspect of this MS-DOS-compatible operating system, through version 6. Alphabetized entries provide syntax, options, examples and tips. Special attention is given to file management, system configuration and features unique to DR DOS.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0782110940
• ISBN13: 9780782110944
• Release Date: May 1992
• Publisher: Sibex
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.

Customer Reviews

The Quick Reference Guide

This book references every feature and command alphabetically organized for fast access. DR DOS 6 is "compatible with Windows 3.1" [as long as certain optional features are not used]. The 'Introduction' explains its new and enhanced features: upper and high memory management, a file-compression utility; a file-defragmentation utility; the ability to switch between applications from the command line; password protection for disks, directories, and files; a file transfer utility; and selection between system configurations at startup. 'Part One' tells about "Using DR DOS", the commands are similar to MS-DOS. This part emphasizes the need to make back up copies of your data to floppies. It explains the features of command line editing that are very handy to correct a typing error for a long command. 'Part Two' has the DR DOS commands and their definitions. They mirror the MS-DOS commands but often have more features. The DR-DOS commands are not restricted as to operating system; many can be used in MS-DOS. DISKCOPY does not require switching from source to target diskettes when copying. EDITOR is a full screen text editor. LOCK prevents accessing the computer until a password is given. PASSWORD protects files and subdirectories. RENDIR changes the name of a directory. SETUP is a menu-driven program that guides you in changing CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files. TOUCH changes the date and time stamps on files. XDEL allows more flexibility in deleting files. XDIR uses an enhanced format in displaying file directories. DELWATCH provides an elegant method for deleting files so they can be correctly restored. TASKMAX allows switching between applications from the command line. [DELWATCH and TASKMAX conflict with the running of Windows 3.1.] 'Part Three' explains the VIEWMAX application. It displays directories and files in a graphic environment to allow running programs or modifying files (similar to Windows Explorer). This part explains its many features, such as the clock and calculator. 'Part Four' lists the batch file commands that can make them interactive, intelligent, and perform complex tasks. 'Part Five' has the commands for CONFIG.SYS file. The GOSUB and GOTO commands allow selective executions of commands. TIMEOUT allows a default response. 'Part Six' lists the eight standard device drivers and their parameters. The common error messages are listed alphabetically in 'Part Seven'. An 'Index' ends this book. The end pages list the DR-DOS commands by function. Some books about the history of the microcomputer industry will tell about Digital Research Inc. and its CPM operating system. MS-DOS bought the QDOS program (based on CPM) and improved its commands for general users, a better user interface. MS won the race because it could charge far less than CPM and surpassed the early leader. (VHS surpassed the earlier BetaMax, both were replaced by DVDs.) A court decision allowed DRI to produce its own version of DOS. Novell bought DRI in the early