One of the major differences between Microsoft Windows and Unix/Linux is the command line interface. Anyone with experience of DOS should remember the text-based command line that was used to create batch files, move directories (none of that 'folder' nonsense in those days), run programs, and all sorts of other things.

For most users the Windows graphical user interface (GUI) effectively replaced the command line. In Unix/Linux the command line is far more powerful than DOS and far more widely used. Windows versions prior to NT were a 'front-end' built on DOS; in NT 4 and later versions Windows didn't have a DOS kernel, but did provide a DOS command line as a separate program.

To cater for professionals responsible for administering Windows and, especially, Windows networks, a series of command- line training texts were published.

Windows XP Command Line

It's expected that a Vista version will be released, but the current one seems to cover everything required to learn the command line. It is a large book: some 900 pages, 215 x 280 mm page format, and uses a 10-point typeface for the body text. Generous use is made of white space, which helps readability and provides room for reader notes.

It's designed to be used as a course text or for self-directed study; the intended audience is professionals who need to understand the command line environment. The lessons begin with basic uses and move through to "sophisticated uses of the command line interface".

The lessons are well designed with assignments and discussion questions; good use is made of screen shots and graphics to illustrate the text; and the writing is clear and jargon-free. Anyone who works through the lessons (and doesn't just read them) should come out reasonably expert in the DOS command line. The book will also serve as an ongoing reference.

The Unix option

The power of a Unix/Linux shell (which provides the command line) can be employed in a Windows environment. The most widely used shell is bash, which is freely available and installation is described in bash Cookbook, one of a series from O'Reilly.

This book can be obtained directly from the Australian distributor, Woodslane - http://woodslane.com.au
 

Gillay and Peat: Windows XP Command Line ISBN 1-887902-82-1 Published by Franklin, Beadle & Associates, 907 pp., RRP $110.00 including GST