The book that changed the way computer books are written and marketed has come out in a third edition. By and large, it's the same as the previous edition (advances in MS-DOS have not been numerous), but there is some new information here. Further, DOS for Dummies remains an entertaining book and if you use DOS, it's the book you want to assist you. The basic idea of this book is that you can identify a problem you're having with your computer, ranging from how to turn the thing on to how to back up only the files that have changed since the last backup. You can then turn to the relevant section--the table of contents is very detailed--read a few pages, carry out some procedure, and move on to the next problem. You'll find sections on hardware, file management, text editing, and software installation. Later chapters deal with troubleshooting.
The newest material in this release of DOS for Dummies deals with DOS 6.22 and the DOS-like shell that you can use under Windows 95 and Windows 98. For users of the latest versions of Windows, Gookin demonstrates some relevant procedures. But most of the coverage deals with DOS itself and programs that are designed to run under DOS. There's even stuff about WordStar here (it's a little-known fact of history that the Rosetta stone was written with WordStar).
DOS for Dummies is funny, too, in a wry sort of way. What kind of joke is appropriate to a section about parallel ports, anyway? The author manages to infuse practically every passage with humor. Other computer books should make an effort to take themselves less seriously. The verdict: if you're using DOS--and more of you are than the Windows people would have us believe--this book will provide you with valuable help. --David Wall
From the Inside Flap
This is the best book ever written for a beginner.
--Chicago TribuneRun DOS applications on your Windows PC
Your first aid kit for dealing with DOS
The fun and easy way to access legacy files and applications Before Windows, there was DOS. And with just a few mouse clicks, any Windows PC can revert to the original Disk Operating System from Microsoft. This friendly guide -- the first-ever For Dummies title -- shows you how to work with DOS to resurrect all those old files, applications, and games.
Discover how to: Operate your PC in the DOS mode Share data between DOS and Windows programs Understand all those DOS prompts and commands Deal with error messages Run DOS games without hassles
The Dummies Way Explanations in plain English Get in, get out information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun
Get smart! www.dummies.com Register to win cool prizes Browse exclusive articles and excerpts Get a free Dummies Daily e-mail newsletter Chat with authors and preview other books Talk to us, ask questions, get answers
From the Back Cover
"This is the best book ever written for a beginner."
--Chicago TribuneRun DOS applications on your Windows PC
Your first aid kit for dealing with DOS
The fun and easy way to access legacy files and applications Before Windows, there was DOS. And with just a few mouse clicks, any Windows PC can revert to the original "Disk Operating System" from Microsoft. This friendly guide -- the first-ever For Dummies title -- shows you how to work with DOS to resurrect all those old files, applications, and games.
Discover how to: Operate your PC in the DOS mode Share data between DOS and Windows programs Understand all those DOS prompts and commands Deal with error messages Run DOS games without hassles
The Dummies Way Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun
Get smart! www.dummies.com Register to win cool prizes Browse exclusive articles and excerpts Get a free Dummies Daily e-mail newsletter Chat with authors and preview other books Talk to us, ask questions, get answers
About the Author
Dan Gookin has written more than 30 bestselling computer books, including PCs For Dummies, Buying a Comptuter For Dummies, Illustrated Computer Dictionary For Dummies, and Word 2000 For Windows For Dummies.
