Command prompt

• Command prompt is also known as cmd.exe, cmd, shell, console window or DOS.
• The command prompt is simply a window that by default display the current directory or a folder that you are in and has a blinking cursor ready for you to type your instruction.





• In command prompt, you will use your keyboard. You won't use your mouse at all.
• To enter the Command Prompt you need to run a program that is dependent on your operating system.
• Below are the list of programs that you need to run to enter a command prompt based on the version of window you are running.

Command	OS	Description
MEcommand.com	Windows 3.1, 3.11, 95 and 98	This program when run will open up a command prompt window providing a dos shell.
cmd.exe	Windows NT, 2000, XP and 2003	It provide native command prompt which is cmd prompt.
command.com	Windows NT, 2000, XP and 2003	This program will open up a emulated DOS shell for backwards compatibility, only use if you must.

• To set the Command Prompt window properties like width, font etc right click on the left top of the window.

How to start a command prompt

There are several ways to open a command prompt.

1. Tap or click the Start button, followed by all apps. Then got to the system folder there you can find.





2. Pressing WIN+X or right-clicking on the Start button you will get the Cmd Prompt.





3. In window 7 you can also go to all programs followed by Accessories then you can choose the Cmd Prompt.





4. You can also open the Command Prompt from your working directory where you are in.




Then the directory path automatically came by default. You don't have to set again.

Then after clicking on Command Prompt you can type your command available based on your operating system.

Command Prompt as a Administrator

• Many times we need to open Command Prompt window as Administrator in Windows which is also called as "Elevated Command Prompt" window.
• By default when you launch a Command Prompt window, it opens in a restricted mode
• In that mode some advanced commands can't be executed.
• But there are situations when you might need to execute those advance command than open Command Prompt window as Administrator.
• There are following ways that you can open Command Prompt as a Administrator.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator from Start Menu. Then go to the All programs → Accessories then right click on Command Prompt and select run as Administrator.





2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator using Start Menu Search.





3. Open Command Prompt as Administrator using Windows 8 "Win+X" Menu.





4. Open Command Prompt as Administrator using Windows 8 Explorer.





5. Open Command Prompt as Administrator using Secret Task Manager Trick. Press "Ctrl+Shift+Esc" key then select File then press "Ctrl+New Task (Run...)"

How to use Command Prompt

• To use Command Prompt, you must enter a valid command along with any optional parameters.
• A large number of commands exist in Command Prompt but their availability differs from operating system to operating system.
• Commands must be entered into Command Prompt exactly.
• Wrong syntax or a misspelling could cause the command to fail, could execute the wrong command or the right command in the wrong way.

Advantages of using Command Prompt

• If user know the correct command then it faster to process.
• This takes less memory.
• A low resolution and cheaper monitor can be used.
• It does not require more CPU processing time.
• Users have control over the both files and operating system.
• It allows the user to keep their hands on the keyboard, almost never touching the mouse.

Disadvantages of using Command Prompt

• Its very confusing for new users.
• There are large number of command which you have to remember.
• Mistyping one instruction you have to start again.
• Mistyping one command it will not support it will go wrong.