How to Use Command Prompt

Command prompt is the command line interpreter. It is actually the analog of COMMAND.COM, used in MS-DOS, Unix shells, etc. When we use Windows, we come across cmd.exe, which is the native program for the platform. Due to this, one can take advantage of the features available to native programs on the platform, which are otherwise unavailable to DOS programs. Once you know, the steps to use command prompt, you will be able to manage your computer's files. When you learn how to use windows command prompt, you will realize, that it is much easier to use the command prompt as compared to using the graphical user interface of Windows. Initially, you may find it hard, however, with practice, you will be able to save a lot of time, just like, when you use computer keyboard shortcuts. To some people it may seem as a hangover from old days PC computing in the word of MS-DOS, but mastery of the interface will save you a lot of time on common chores, which require a lot of repetitive clicking and navigation through windows.

Learn How to Use Command Prompt

To launch command prompt in Windows XP or the previous version, you will have to click on start and then click on run and type cmd and click enter. If you are using Windows Vista, then you will click on start and then in the start search box, write cmd and press enter. With this the command prompt will start off in your windows profile default folder, which will be C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\ , both in Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Configuring Command Prompt Window
If you have decided to use the command prompt to perform system tasks, then you may want to create a shortcut to the command prompt on your desktop. To create the shortcut, the steps are as follows.:

• Click on Start, go to All Programs, then Accessories and then right click on Command Prompt.
• You will see the Send to, choose Desktop (create shortcut).
• Now you will be able to see the shortcut to the command prompt on your desktop.

Commands to Work with Files and Directories in the Command Prompt
With the command prompt, you will be able to work with the files and directories. We will now see the commands, which will help you to work with the files and directories of windows.

dir: When you want to view the contents of a directory, type 'dir' in the command prompt and press enter. With this command, you will be able to see all the files and directories within the current directory. This command is similar to clicking on a Windows folder to see the contents of the folder. The command will look as follows:


cd: If you want to know, which directory are you currently in, then type 'cd' at the command prompt. The command will look as follows:


To change directories, use the name of the directory, after cd and one space. The command will look as follows:


mkdir: You can also create a new directory, using the command 'mkdir'. The command will look as follows:


move: Use the command prompt to move files into a particular directory. The command will look as follows:


copy: Like files can be moved, copy of a file can also be created using the command prompt. This command is especially beneficial when you modify a working program, but you later want to revert to the original version, in case you do not like the modifications.The command will look as follows:


del: When you realize, you have too many not useful files, then you can use the 'del' command to delete the not required file. The command will look as follows:


ipconfig: Do you have a question, 'how do I find my IP address on my computer'? Find the answer here. When you want to use command prompt to find IP address, you will have to use the command 'ipconfig' in the command prompt. The IP address will be displayed along with the other details. The command will look as follows:


Once you know, how to use command prompt, you will not have to rely on the graphical user interface. At the same time, you will be able to save a lot of time as well.