The DOS (the operating system of PC compatibles) and UNIX operating systems are very similar, especially since DOS was largely based on UNIX. However, there are some basic differences between DOS and UNIX, as listed below:
DOS Command | Purpose | UNIX Counterpart |
---|---|---|
attrib +h/-h | This command either "hides" (+h) or "uncovers" (-h) files from directory lists. | Rename the file so that it begins with a period. (For example: mv file .file) |
cd dirname | The cd command moves the user to a specific directory. If the cd command is typed alone in DOS, there is no move, but if cd is typed in UNIX, the user returns to their home directory. | cd dirname |
chkdsk | Checks the disk for logical problems, then lists the amount of free and used space on the disk. | Only System Administrators deal with logical problems. To learn about disk space, use df |
copy/xcopy dirname\filename | Allows you to copy files. | cp dirname/filename |
del/erase filename | Erases files from the disk. | rm filename |
dir | Lists the files in the current directory. | ls |
help command name | Displays information about the specified command. | man command name |
rename oldfilename | Renames a file. In UNIX, it can also be used to move the file to a different directory. | mv oldfilename newfilename |
Many of the differences between DOS and UNIX are a result of different "computer cultures." UNIX is often the OS for computers which have many simultaneous users (such as email servers) or for network computing. DOS is used for PCs, that generally only have one user at a time and do not run programs that are not on the local hard drive. Also, UNIX systems generally have a System Administrator who handles disk maintenance and other technical issues. Therefore, DOS users are ultimately more responsible for and in control of their environment, and "alone" than most UNIX users.
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