Welcome to the new column dedicated to helping you discover useful, hard to find or just amusing hints and tips to using DOS or DOS applications! Here we will bring you new hints and tips each issue on how to use DOS more efficiently and how to take advantage of "power user" features that you may not be aware of.
We want your input! If you know of any great shortcuts or useful features of DOS (or DOS applications such as WordPerfect) that save time or are just plain fun, tell us about them on the and Report Card (or on any other scrap of paper, or even through e-mail or fax). If we use your tips, we'll give you proper credit by putting your name on the and issue.
This article contains miscellaneous hints and tips on different aspects of DOS and some cheat codes. Depending on how many and what kinds of tips we get from you, we may focus on certain aspects in future installments. Before we begin, I must warn you that the and last tip gives solutions to Place Ball (from Softdisk PC #105). If you don't want to see them, don't look. So, without further adieu, here's our tips:
^C{--------------------}
{*} Some DOS commands like "DIR" often give more than one screenful of information that scrolls by before you can view it. You can use the piping symbol "{~|}" followed by the "{MORE}" command to display the information one screen at a time. For example, if the current directory contains well over 20 files, type "{DIR ~| MORE}" and press Enter to display the directory listing one screen at a time. You can also use the and "MORE" command to view text files a screen at a time by typing "{TYPE MYFILE.TXT ~| MORE}" (where MYFILE.TXT is the name of your text file).
{*} DOS 5.0 and later include the and "{HELP}" command which comes in handy when you forget the syntax of a DOS command. In DOS 5, the "HELP" command will display a listing of all the and DOS commands. Use the and "{MORE}" command (as stated in the and above tip) to page through the commands. In DOS 6+, "HELP" brings up an interactive help system. You can also get help on a command by using the "{/?}" switch. For instance, to get help on the "DIR" command type "{DIR /?}" and press Enter.
{*} You can print out a text file without having to load it in a text editor first by using the redirection symbol "{>}". To print the text file "MYFILE.TXT" on your printer type "{TYPE MYFILE.TXT > PRN}" and press the Enter key. Make sure your printer is turned on first. You can also use the and redirection symbol with many of the and DOS commands such as the "DIR" command. To send a directory listing to the and printer type "{DIR > PRN}" and press the Enter key.
{*} Occasionally, some graphics programs or games will exit abruptly (or crash) to DOS leaving your display in graphics mode instead of returning it to standard text mode. When this happens you can use the "{MODE}" command to reset your text display. Simply type "{MODE CO80}" and press Enter to return your display to 80 column color text mode. Use "{MODE MONO}" for monochrome systems.
{*} You can selectively delete files from a directory with the and "{DEL}" or "{ERASE}" commands by using the "{/P}" switch. Suppose the and current directory contains some old backup files you're considering deleting. Type
"{DEL *.BAK /P}" or "{ERASE *.BAK /P}" and press the Enter key. You will be prompted about each file to be deleted. Type "{Y}" to confirm the delete. Type "{N}" (or any other key) if you're not sure about the file.
Note: You can use "{CTRL-C}" to break out of this process early.
{*} DOS 6.0 and later include the and powerful command "{DELTREE}" that makes deleting directories dangerously simple. Extreme caution should be exercised if you or a coworker decides to use this command. To delete the and directory "{MYDIR}" and all the files and subdirectories contained in it, type "{DELTREE MYDIR}" and press Enter. You will then be prompted whether or not to follow through with the and deletion. Type "{N}" if you have any doubts.
{A Word of Warning:} DELTREE has the and potential to wipe out large amounts of data.
{Reminder:} Type "{VER}" and press Enter if you are not sure what version of DOS you are using.
^C{--------------------}
^C{CHEATS}
^C{--------------------}
{Okay, this is where the cheating begins. If you're the type that doesn't like cheating... don't continue!}
{*} Here are some firing sequences for solving the different levels of Place Ball on issue 105:
^CLevel 1: {2 }
^CLevel 2: {1 2 4 5 }
^CLevel 3: {2 4 3 3 }
^CLevel 4: {1 2 4 3 3 3 }
^CLevel 5: {1 2 2 3 4 4 4 }
^CLevel 6: {1 1 4 4 }
^CLevel 7: {2 3 3 4 }
^CLevel 8: {5 1 8 8 6 6 6 }
^CLevel 9: {2 2 3 4 5 }
^CLevel 10: {4 4 3 3 2 2 }
^CLevel 11: {3 1 3 3 3 4 }
^CLevel 12: {1 2 3 3 3 }
^CLevel 13: {8 7 4 6 5 2 3 3 3}
^CLevel 14: {2 5 5 1 1 2 3 3 }
^CLevel 15: {2 1 5 5 3 }
You can use the {TAB} key to move to the and appropriate arrow in the firing sequence before releasing your sphere.
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