Windows: "Windows' Command Line:
Some of Windows' most useful tools don't have desktop icons. Nor are they listed on the Start menu, or even in Control Panel.
If you search for them in the operating system's folders and subfolders, you probably won't find them.
Some don't even exist as independent files. Instead, you launch these terrific tools by entering their text commands in;
Windows' Run box (or at the command, or DOS, prompt) to perform all sorts of useful tasks quickly. The chart below (under the heading 'Command Compendium'--click on the thumbnail for a full view) lists several of my favorites.
Open the window: Usually you'll type the commands in a command window (which resembles the fabled DOS screen of eons past).
To open it in:
Windows 98, choose Start, Programs, MS-DOS Prompt.
Windows Me, click Start, Programs, Accessories, MS-DOS Prompt.
Windows 2000 and
XP, select Start, Programs (All Programs in XP), Accessories, Command Prompt:
Or you can open the window by choosing Start, Run, typing a command Exaple: Type = cmd (in 2000 and XP), and pressing Ok.
Entry for Run Function
TYPE: OPENS:
calc Opens calculator
cmd Opens command prompt window
explorer Opens Windows explorer
magnify Screen magnifier accessory
msconfig System Configuration Utility
mshearts Opens Hearts game
msinfo32 System Information applet
mspaint Opens graphics accessory Paint
notepad Notepad accessory
regedit Registry editor
sol Opens Classical Solitaire game
This is using the commands without opening a prompt window:
Start, Run and entering the command there.
Some can instead be entered directly in the Address bar of any Explorer or folder window.
While the commands are useful by themselves, their real power comes from their 'switches' (optional codes typed at the end of the command that vary the function). For almost every command, the best way to find the appropriate switches is to type the command name followed by a space and /?.
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