The Windows Command Line, Batch Files, and Scripting


The Windows command line is a mainstay for systems administrators and power users but is relatively unknown to many PC users. The purpose of this site is to make the power and utility of the command line more familiar to a wider community of computer users. Also under-appreciated are the related resources of batch files and scripts and these will be discussed as well.

Windows is famous as a graphical user interface and many computer users tend to forget (or never knew) that there are also very useful command line functions in Windows. In fact, there is a great deal more to Windows than just point and click. The keyboard and the command line can be substantial adjuncts to the mouse and icons. There are two basic features involving a command line. One is the entry 'Run" (or "Start Search" in Vista) that is in the Start menu and the other is the command prompt window.

Introduction to the Command Line

Those who are new to the command line or need a refresher can read basic material on these pages:

Specific Applications of the Command Shell

Some details and examples for various commands are considered in a series of pages listed below. The subjects include computer maintenance, system administration, file management, Internet tools, and network administration.

File management

Network and Internet tools

System administration and maintenance

Additions and extensions to native commands

Batch files

Batch files provide a simple way to perform many repetitive or time-consuming tasks. While batch files can be quite sophisticated, the basics are simple enough to be useful to the average PC user with no knowledge of programming.

Other Command Line Topics

Vista

Windows 7

Windows 8