Windows XP/2000 Command Line Tips

Every now and then I have to get wiggy with the command-line.

Its actually kinda fun now with the highly-modifiable, tab supported Console (freeware) utility.

I remember pouring over an old DOS 6.22 booklet that came packaged with one of our agency's x486 systems many, many years ago to prep for an IT technician's job. I didn't get the job then but it ended up coming in handy down the road.

While I wouldn't consider myself an expert-level command-line guy, I've got the handful or two most used command-line commands down pretty well.

Being proficient in command-line environment is a real plus. Yes, most everything you need to do can be done with a GUI-based application or utility. But sometimes you can be even more efficient by using the son-of-DOS.

Here are some more useful command-line resources, for the curious to the masters.

XP/2000 Command Line Tip List

• 14 Windows Command Line Tricks - well documented list of some not-so familiar commands that can be quite useful in a pinch. -via Daily Cup of Tech

• Windows XP Commands - nice, plain and A-Z formatted list of commands. Good when you know what you want to do, but can't remember the exact command name.

• Windows XP/2000 Commands and Tools - a number of commands particularly focused on network administration tasks. -via NetworkClue.com

• The Windows XP Command Line, Batch Files, and Scripting- Using the Command Shell - good primer material on command-line issues, topics and techniques.

• Microsoft Windows XP - Command-line reference A-Z - Where better to get the details on all these commands, the command syntaxes, and the power of their switch parameters than from Microsoft itself?

• Windows 2000/XP Command Prompt - Cheat Sheet [[PRINTABLE]] - print it out and keep a copy in your bag.

• Beginners Guides: WindowsXP Command Prompt - PCSTATS.com - user-friendly intro into understanding what the command-line is and some basic commands to become familiar with.

• Learning DOS - Really, really basic commands. For those who want to stay in the kiddie pool. -via NetworkClue.com

Making Batch Files

Once you have progressed into feeling comfortable with the power of the command-line, you can leverage that power by creating batch-files. These files are constructed of a series of logical steps, loops and commands. I use a simple batch-file I wrote in Lavie's XP laptop's startup folder to release and renew her IP address to make sure she gets a good IP connection.

• Batch File Help - Quite possibly my favorite guide for making batch files.

• Beginners Guides: Understanding and Creating Batch Files - PCSTATS.com - A well written multi-page introduction to batch-file concepts.

• Creating DOS Batch Files - Fast text page with highlights to illustrate the structure and methods that batch files work under.

• DOS Batch Programming - Eric Phelps provides some good tips and techniques on batch file writing.

• Microsoft Windows XP - Batch files - Again, nice detailed information about batch file operations and structure.

Windows PowerShell - The Next Generation

I'd love to have the time to learn how to really use the power of the new Windows PowerShell.

It's like the command-prompt on steroids.

• Windows PowerShell - Microsoft

• An Introduction to Windows Power Shell (Monad) - The Code Project ... nice, approachable introduction into PowerShell fundamentals.

• Windows PowerShell Team Blog - Get the latest news from the team that created it!

• Scripting with Windows PowerShell - Scripts, tips, virtual labs, books, and articles. Wow!

• Windows PowerShell Getting Started Guide - MSDN Library resource.

• PowerShell Managed Reference - MSDN Library resource.

Bonus Prize - FrontMotion Login

Not command-line related--and very cool!

Seems that with some tweaking with the tools at FrontMotion Login, you can have a custom Flash-animated XP log-on screen. (More in the forums.)

Who knew?

Animated XP logins with FrontMotion Login - via Download Squad

Enjoy.

--Claus