• Author:
  • Gookin, Dan
• Subject:
  Computer Hardware
• Published by:
  John Wiley & Sons Inc (US)
• Published:
  19/05/1998
• Price:
  $32.99
• <  Buy this book  >

Windows may rule the world of popular computing on PCs around the globe, but DOS still has a place in the hearts and minds of computer users who vaguely remember what a C prompt looks like. Even if DOS (with all its arcane commands and its drab, boring look) isn't your idea of the best way to get things done on a PC, you'll find plenty of fast and friendly help on hand with the third edition of DOS For Dummies.

Here's a plain-speaking reference guide to all the command-line stuff and nonsense that makes DOS work, whether you're a native DOS user or are an occasional dabbler who needs the operating system to run all those cool games under Windows.

DOS For Dummies, 3rd Edition, avoids all the technical jargon to cut to the heart of things with clear, easy-to-understand explanations and step-by-step help for

• Changing disks and drives
• Dealing with the DOS prompt
• Managing files
• Running DOS inside Windows
• Installing and running DOS-based software programs
• Working with the printer and serial ports
• Using the mouse and keyboard
• Troubleshooting problems
• Understanding DOS error messages

All the basic DOS commands, from APPEND to XCOPY, are demystified to make life in DOS much more bearable. This handy guide has plenty of helpful tips and tricks for bending DOS to your will, without having to dedicate your life (and all your free time) to mastering this little corner of the PC.

Author Dan Gookin's first edition of DOS For Dummies became an international best-seller. He considers himself a computer "guru" whose job it is to remind everyone that computers are not to be taken too seriously. His approach to computers is light and humorous, yet very informative. Gookin mixes his knowledge of computers with a unique, dry sense of humor that keeps you informed – and awake.

Dan Gookin has written more than 30 bestselling computer books, including PCs For Dummies??, Buying a Comptuter For Dummies??, Illustrated Computer Dictionary For Dummies??, and Word 2000 For Windows?? For Dummies??.

Introduction.

PART I: The Absolute Basics.

Chapter 1: Getting On with It.

Chapter 2: The PC Hokey-Pokey (Or That's What It's All About).

Chapter 3: Life at the DOS Prompt.

Chapter 4: Easier DOS: The DOS Shell.

Chapter 5: The Way Windows Was.

Chapter 6: DOS in Windows 95/98.

PART II: The Non-Nerd's Guide to PC Hardware.

Chapter 7: Your Basic Hardware: What It Is and Why.

Chapter 8: RAM (Or Memory, the Way We Were).

Chapter 9: The Video Display (That's the Computer Screen).

Chapter 10: Keyboard and Mouse (Or Where Is the "Any" Key?).

Chapter 11: The Printer (Making the Right Impression).

Chapter 12: More on Modems.

Chapter 13: All You (Don't) Want to Know about Disks.

PART III: The Non-Nerd's Guide to PC Software.

Chapter 14: Basic Software Setup.

Chapter 15: Software Mystery Grab Bag.

Chapter 16: Playing with the Editor.

Chapter 17: The Hard Drive: Where You Store Stuff.

Chapter 18: File Fitness (Stuff You Do with Files).

Chapter 19: Files -- Lost and Found.

PART IV: Yikes! (Or Help Me Out of This One!).

Chapter 20: When It's Time to Toss In the Towel (And Call a DOS Guru).

Chapter 21: After You Panic, Do This.

Chapter 22: Diagnosing, Disinfecting, and Getting Help.

Chapter 23: DOS Error Messages (What They Mean, What to Do).

PART V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 24: Ten Things You Should Do All the Time.

Chapter 25: Ten Common Beginner Mistakes.

Chapter 26: Ten Things You Should Never Do.

Chapter 27: Ten Favorite DOS Commands.

DOS Command Reference.

Glossary.

Index.

Book Registration Information.