Windows Command Line Fundamentals

I. Introduction to Windows Command Line

A. Definition of Command Line Interface (CLI)

The Command Line Interface (CLI) is a text-based interface for interacting with a computer's operating system or software by typing commands.

B. Importance of command line skills in IT and system administration

Command line skills are crucial for efficient system management, automation, and troubleshooting in IT environments.

C. Differences between Command Prompt (CMD) and PowerShell

Command Prompt is the traditional command-line interpreter for Windows, while PowerShell is a more powerful scripting language and command-line shell.

II. Basic Command Line Navigation

A. Accessing the Command Prompt

Methods to open CMD:

Press Win + R, type "cmd", and press Enter
Type "cmd" in the Start menu search bar
Right-click Start button and select "Command Prompt"

B. Navigating the file system

'cd' - Change directory

cd C:\Users\Username\Documents
cd ..
cd \

'dir' - List directory contents

dir
dir /a
dir /s

'cls' - Clear screen

cls

'mkdir' - Create new directory

mkdir NewFolder
mkdir "New Folder with Spaces"

'rmdir' - Remove directory

rmdir EmptyFolder
rmdir /s /q FolderWithContents

III. File Management Commands

A. Viewing files and directories

'dir' - List files and folders in the current directory

dir
dir /a
dir *.txt

'attrib' - View file attributes

attrib filename.txt
attrib +r filename.txt

B. Creating and deleting files

'echo' - Create text files

echo Hello, World! > hello.txt
echo This is a new line >> hello.txt

'del' - Delete files

del filename.txt
del *.tmp

C. Copying and moving files

'copy' - Copy files

copy source.txt destination.txt
copy *.txt C:\Backup\

'move' - Move files

move oldfile.txt C:\NewFolder\
move *.doc C:\Documents\

IV. System Information and Diagnostics Commands

A. Checking network information

'ipconfig' - Display network configuration

ipconfig
ipconfig /all

'ping' - Test network connectivity

ping google.com
ping 192.168.1.1

'tracert' - Trace the route to a remote host

tracert google.com

B. Viewing system information

'systeminfo' - Display system configuration

systeminfo

'tasklist' - View running processes

tasklist
tasklist | find "chrome"

C. Managing processes

'taskkill' - Terminate processes

taskkill /IM notepad.exe
taskkill /PID 1234 /F

V. File and Disk Management

A. Disk management commands

'chkdsk' - Check disk for errors

chkdsk C:
chkdsk C: /f

'diskpart' - Manage disks and partitions

diskpart
list disk
select disk 0
list partition

B. File compression and decompression

'compact' - Compress files and folders

compact /c file.txt
compact /c /s C:\FolderToCompress

'expand' - Uncompress files

expand compressed.cab
expand -r *.cab

VI. Advanced Windows Commands

A. 'netstat' - Display network connections

netstat
netstat -an

B. 'shutdown' - Shutdown or restart the system

shutdown /s /t 60
shutdown /r /t 0

C. 'sfc' - System File Checker to repair system files

sfc /scannow

D. 'powercfg' - Manage power settings and configurations

powercfg /energy
powercfg /batteryreport

VII. Batch File Basics

A. Definition and purpose of batch files

Batch files are scripts containing a series of commands to be executed by the command-line interpreter.

B. Creating and executing a batch file

Create a file with .bat extension and add commands:

@echo off
echo Hello, World!
pause

Save as "example.bat" and double-click to run.

C. Useful batch file commands

@echo off
echo This is a batch file example
pause
cls
echo The screen has been cleared

VIII. Conclusion

A. Recap of key commands

We've covered essential Windows commands for navigation, file management, system information, and more.

B. Importance of practicing command line skills

Regular practice will improve efficiency and problem-solving abilities in IT and system administration.