Internal command in dos are mcq, short for Disk Operating System, remains one of the foundational operating systems in the history of computing. While modern operating systems have largely replaced DOS, its influence is still evident, and understanding its commands is essential for students, IT professionals, and tech enthusiasts. Internal commands, a crucial subset of DOS commands, are particularly important because they reside in the COMMAND.COM file and execute instantly without requiring external files. This article delves into internal commands in DOS, their significance, functionality, and provides multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to test your knowledge.
What Are Internal Commands in DOS?
Internal commands in DOS are basic, preloaded instructions that the system can execute directly without relying on external files. These commands are embedded in the COMMAND.COM file, which is loaded into memory during the boot process. Because of this, internal commands are always available as long as DOS is running.
Characteristics of Internal Commands:
- Always Available: Reside in memory, making them accessible without additional files.
- Simple Functions: Perform fundamental operations like file management, system navigation, and disk operations.
- Fast Execution: Since they don’t rely on external files, their execution is faster.
Examples of internal commands include DIR
, COPY
, DEL
, and CD
.
Key Internal Commands in DOS
Here’s an overview of some of the most frequently used internal commands:
1. DIR
- Usage: Displays a list of files and directories in the current directory.
- Syntax:
DIR [drive:][path] [options]
- Example:
DIR C:\Documents
2. COPY
- Usage: Copies files from one location to another.
- Syntax:
COPY [source] [destination]
- Example:
COPY file.txt D:\Backup\
3. DEL (or ERASE)
- Usage: Deletes one or more files.
- Syntax:
DEL [drive:][path][filename]
- Example:
DEL C:\Temp\*.txt
4. CD (Change Directory)
- Usage: Changes the current working directory.
- Syntax:
CD [directory]
- Example:
CD C:\Users\John\Documents
5. MD (Make Directory)
- Usage: Creates a new directory.
- Syntax:
MD [directory]
- Example:
MD Projects
6. RD (Remove Directory)
- Usage: Deletes an empty directory.
- Syntax:
RD [directory]
- Example:
RD OldFolder
7. CLS (Clear Screen)
- Usage: Clears the screen.
- Syntax:
CLS
8. TYPE
- Usage: Displays the contents of a file.
- Syntax:
TYPE [filename]
- Example:
TYPE readme.txt
9. REN (Rename)
- Usage: Renames a file or directory.
- Syntax:
REN [oldname] [newname]
- Example:
REN report.doc final_report.doc
10. VER
- Usage: Displays the current DOS version.
- Syntax:
VER
11. VOL
- Usage: Displays the disk volume label and serial number.
- Syntax:
VOL [drive:]
- Example:
VOL C:
12. DATE
- Usage: Displays or sets the system date.
- Syntax:
DATE [mm-dd-yyyy]
13. TIME
- Usage: Displays or sets the system time.
- Syntax:
TIME [hh:mm:ss]
Advantages of Internal Commands
- Always Accessible: No dependency on external files means they can be used anytime DOS is running.
- Efficiency: Stored in memory, making their execution swift.
- Versatility: Offer essential functionalities for navigating and managing the system.
- Ease of Use: Simple syntax and intuitive functions make them beginner-friendly.
Difference Between Internal and External Commands
Feature | Internal Commands | External Commands |
---|---|---|
Storage | Stored in COMMAND.COM | Stored as separate files on disk |
Availability | Always available in memory | Requires the presence of the file |
Execution Speed | Faster | Slower |
Examples | DIR, COPY, DEL | FORMAT, DISKCOPY, XCOPY |
Multiple-Choice Questions on Internal Commands in DOS
MCQ Section 1: Basics of Internal Commands
- Which command is used to display the contents of a file?
- a) COPY
- b) DIR
- c) TYPE
- d) REN
Answer: c) TYPE
- What does the
CLS
command do?- a) Copies files
- b) Clears the screen
- c) Changes the directory
- d) Deletes a file
Answer: b) Clears the screen
- Which command displays the current directory?
- a) RD
- b) CD
- c) DIR
- d) VOL
Answer: c) DIR
- How do you rename a file in DOS?
- a) RD
- b) REN
- c) DEL
- d) MD
Answer: b) REN
- What is the primary file that stores internal commands in DOS?
- a) COMMAND.BAT
- b) COMMAND.COM
- c) DOS.SYS
- d) CONFIG.SYS
Answer: b) COMMAND.COM
MCQ Section 2: Advanced Internal Command Usage
- Which command creates a new directory?
- a) RD
- b) MD
- c) CD
- d) CLS
Answer: b) MD
- What does the
VER
command display?- a) Disk volume label
- b) File list
- c) DOS version
- d) Current time
Answer: c) DOS version
- Which command deletes all
.txt
files in a directory?- a) DEL *.txt
- b) ERASE txt.*
- c) COPY txt.*
- d) RD txt.*
Answer: a) DEL *.txt
- How can you navigate to the parent directory?
- a) CD\
- b) CD..
- c) CD/
- d) CD:
Answer: b) CD..
- What is the function of the
VOL
command?- a) Clears the screen
- b) Displays file names
- c) Shows disk volume information
- d) Deletes files
Answer: c) Shows disk volume information
Practical Tips for Using Internal Commands
- Combine Commands: Use
DIR
with options like/P
or/W
for paginated or wide-format displays. - Wildcards: Leverage
*
and?
for batch operations with commands likeDEL
orCOPY
. - Batch Files: Automate tasks by combining internal commands in
.bat
files. - Shortcuts: Memorize common commands to navigate and manage files efficiently internal command in dos are mcq.
Conclusion
Internal commands in DOS are the backbone of system navigation and management within the DOS environment. Their simplicity, speed, and accessibility make them invaluable for fundamental operations. Understanding these commands is not just essential for retro computing enthusiasts but also for IT professionals working with legacy systems. By mastering these commands, users can enhance their efficiency and problem-solving skills in a command-line interface.
FAQs
1. What are internal commands in DOS?
Internal command in dos are mcq are preloaded instructions in the COMMAND.COM file, allowing basic operations without external files.
2. How are internal commands different from external commands?
Internal commands are stored in memory, while external commands rely on separate executable files.
3. Can internal commands work without DOS running?
No, internal commands require DOS to be active as they reside in the COMMAND.COM file.
4. Are internal commands still relevant today?
While modern systems have replaced DOS, understanding its commands is useful for learning command-line fundamentals and legacy system management.
5. What is the purpose of the DIR
command?
The DIR
command lists files and directories in the current directory.
6. How can I use internal commands in a batch file?
You can combine internal commands in a .bat
file to automate repetitive tasks, such as file management or system navigation.