📖 Overview
Peter Norton's Guide to DOS 6 serves as a manual and reference guide for users of the DOS 6 operating system. The book covers essential DOS commands, utilities, and functions through step-by-step instructions and explanations.
Norton presents both basic and advanced topics, from file management and batch files to memory optimization and troubleshooting techniques. The text includes practical examples, diagrams, and tables to illustrate key concepts and procedures.
The guide dedicates sections to new DOS 6 features like DoubleSpace disk compression, anti-virus tools, and improved memory management. Technical information is balanced with real-world usage scenarios and problem-solving approaches.
This volume reflects Norton's systematic approach to demystifying computer technology, making complex technical concepts accessible to users at various skill levels. The work stands as a snapshot of personal computing during a transitional period in its evolution.
👀 Reviews
Readers found the book provided clear explanations of DOS 6 concepts and commands, with helpful examples and a logical organization structure. Several readers noted it was an improvement over the official DOS manual.
Liked:
- Step-by-step instructions for common tasks
- Detailed index made finding topics easy
- Screenshots and diagrams enhanced understanding
- Thorough coverage of batch files and system configuration
Disliked:
- Some found the writing style too verbose
- A few topics like networking received limited coverage
- Examples focused on business rather than home computing
- Book size made it impractical as a quick reference
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.8/5 (12 ratings)
Amazon: 4.2/5 (7 ratings)
Notable review: "Norton explains concepts that Microsoft's documentation completely glosses over. The batch file chapter alone is worth the price." - Amazon reviewer, 1994
📚 Similar books
DOS For Dummies by Dan Gookin
This guide breaks down DOS commands and operations into step-by-step instructions with plain explanations of core concepts.
Mastering DOS 6.22 by Judd Robbins The book covers both basic and advanced DOS features with examples for batch files, system configuration, and memory management.
Running MS-DOS by Van Wolverton This Microsoft Press manual presents DOS commands, utilities, and troubleshooting techniques with technical depth and practical applications.
DOS Power Tools by Paul Somerson The text provides DOS users with techniques for customization, automation, and system optimization through command line operations.
Understanding the DOS Operating System by James M. Woodward This reference explains DOS architecture, file systems, and memory structures with diagrams and programming examples.
Mastering DOS 6.22 by Judd Robbins The book covers both basic and advanced DOS features with examples for batch files, system configuration, and memory management.
Running MS-DOS by Van Wolverton This Microsoft Press manual presents DOS commands, utilities, and troubleshooting techniques with technical depth and practical applications.
DOS Power Tools by Paul Somerson The text provides DOS users with techniques for customization, automation, and system optimization through command line operations.
Understanding the DOS Operating System by James M. Woodward This reference explains DOS architecture, file systems, and memory structures with diagrams and programming examples.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 Peter Norton became famous for creating Norton Utilities, a revolutionary software package that helped users recover deleted files and manage their computers, before writing his series of technical books.
🔹 DOS 6 (released in 1993) was one of the last major versions of MS-DOS before Windows 95 made the transition to a graphical interface, marking the end of an era in personal computing.
🔹 The book series featuring Peter Norton's signature crossed-arms pose on the cover became instantly recognizable and set a trend for technical book marketing in the 1980s and 1990s.
🔹 Peter Norton sold his software company to Symantec in 1990 for $70 million, but continued to lend his name and image to software products and books for many years afterward.
🔹 Despite its age, DOS commands and concepts explained in the book are still relevant today, as the Windows Command Prompt preserves many DOS commands for system administration and troubleshooting.