1990s · RETRO HISTORY
A Beginner’s Guide to MS-DOS Commands
Learn the essential commands that powered everyday PC tasks.
What DOS does
MS-DOS provides a text-based way to navigate files and run programs. Before graphical interfaces became widespread, typing commands was an everyday part of using an IBM-compatible PC.
Commands to remember
Useful commands include DIR to list files, CD to change directories, MD to create a directory, COPY to copy files, TYPE to display text and CLS to clear the screen. Use HELP where supported to check syntax.
A safe practice session
In an emulator or a disposable practice folder, try DIR, then MD TEST, CD TEST and CD .. to return to the parent directory. Practise with copies of files rather than irreplaceable data.
Common pitfalls
Commands such as DEL and FORMAT can destroy data. Do not run destructive commands on real drives unless you understand their effects and have backups.