Cmd

[AntiNeutrino411]

Hmm...CMD is one of the most interesting things to use. You pretty much have power to do whatever you wish on the computer. Does anyone here have a list of commands you can tell the CMD to execute?

[TranquilNightElf]

Cmd just loads the dos type shell .Wndows does not have actual dos installed but most dos commands work with the command prompt, as well as the commands for windows.
Just type help at the prompt for the a list of commands (which is not complete mind you )

[Garrec]

Like TranquilNightElf said, type HELP at the prompt to get a list of some basic commands. For any of these commands, just type them with an " /?" at the end to get specific help on the item. I really only use the console for the following stuff:

One of the most useful things that I have found is the SUBST.EXE file.
On WinXP, it's in the folder C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32.

for help on how to use it, type "subst /?". What it does is it substitutes a path for a drive letter.

I have a batch file called "startup.bat" which contains a short list of subst commands. I have a shortcut to the file placed in the "Start > Program > Startup" folder, so it executes every time I run my computer. For example, the line:
C:\SYSTEM32\SUBST.EXE z: "C:\Documents and Settings\JB\My Documents\Downloaded"
creates a virtual drive ("Z:"). If I go to My Computer, it will appear on the list of available drives. Opening this drive provides a convenient shortcut to an otherwise long list of folders. I have firefox set to automatically download all files to Z:, so I always know where my files are going. Whatever folders I find myself using often, I just create more virtual drives.

If you do stuff like modding games, or other tedius work, it helps to automate as many things as possible by creating batch files with a list of ordinary DOS commands.

Another good DOS program is EDIT.COM. One of the cool little features of this program is that it can open files in binary format, again useful for modding stuff. It's tricky to use, and isn't a great program, but it's nice to use at times, if you know what you're doing.

Also, you can use DOS's FORMAT command as an alternative to Windows format. For almost all situations, Windows format will work just fine, but if you format hard drives, or want more options, this is a good way to go. Again, make sure you know what you're doing.