Most of us have used the Windows command prompt once or more times. Often times we are presented with GUI(Graphic User's Interface) that has made Windows user friendly as most operating systems. For example, to rename a file is click, type and rename the filename but it would take a line of command at the DOS(Disk Operating System) prompt to do the same thing. In the process of giving commands one is directly interacting with the system. It helps to manage the disk files thereby providing resources basically essential for the control of hardware - like keyboard, mouse, printer, camera and just to mention a few - those are what disk operating system basically does.
The command prompt is relatively limited compares to the terminal in Linux or Unix based system, the more reason why most people are quick to be rabble-rousers. On a side note, there are a lot one can do by giving commands at the Windows prompt. Due to security, as there are likely more computer savvy users to attack Windows than other operating systems(one of the reasons why Windows is vulnerable) and availability of plethora of software which can do the jobs better without having to pass through complex lines of commands usually give room to reluctance. Yet, one can still do a lot with enthusiasm as would by modesty when working with terminal in Unix-based system. Although, there is terminal emulator created for Windows system with full functionality as one would find in Linux but it is not exactly the same in command lines use. That makes it even more flexible, where one is give more than one choice to choose from.
The purpose of this piece of writing is to list rare Windows DOS commands which are used on daily computer routines. To get into the command prompt click on Start and type ' cmd '(without the apostrophe) into the Run bar click OK or press the ENTER key.
An image example of Windows command prompt
Before making a list of DOS commands there is a typical one that will be able to display many others in Windows. That is, the 'Help' command. Simply typing ' help '(without the apostrophe) at the prompt the operating system will list many of the internal commands which are different from the external commands - which need to be installed or loaded before they can be used.
Windows displays internal commands upon running help at the prompt
For those using Windows 8 to enter the command prompt follow the steps below:
Step 1: At the Desktop move the mouse cursor to the very extreme lower end of the screen to display resources.
Step 2: Select Search and type cmd into the space or search-bar (more like a browser) and hit ENTER key.
Step 3: Type help at the front of the arrow sign ( > ) to list all Windows internal commands.
Now, the following commands are rare because they are not use often on daily bases due to their functions and when needed. Don't miss them for external commands only, they could be any of both the internal as well as external.
1. netstat: Display connection network both incoming and outgoing and other network interfaces. To learn more type at the prompt netstat/? for list of functions.
2. tracert: Used to measure and display routs of delayed packets of data through the internet protocol network. For example, typing tracert www.google.com will display how andon which routs google packets are transfered in a network.
3. pathping: It does same thing as tracert with less detail. i.e pathping 192.168.1.1
4. comp: It's used to compare two or more files. To learn about it type comp/? at the prompt.
5. call: It is used to execute batch file with other batch file. i.e call/?
6. arp: Used to add, remove and display address resolution protocol fro network. i.e arp/?
7. net: It's used to fix, update and for the overview of network parameters.
8. nbtstart: To display IP/TCP connection of a network. For more type nbt/? at the prompt.
9. systeminfo: It's used to display information about the system. i.e type systeminfo at the command prompt.
10: gpresult: It's used to display resultants of group policy of a user or computer. To leran more type gpresult/? at the command prompt.
11: powercfg -q : It is use to query system power during power issue in a system.
12: bcdedit /enum /v : It desplays information about your Windows system boot manager and loader.
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