OCU C)OST C Discussion Lesson 02
Tagged: Command line functions
- This topic has 16 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 2 weeks, 6 days ago by
Caleb Kiser.
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April 4, 2022 at 12:42 pm #66460
Jessica Jagerson
KeymasterCan you describe the purpose of command lines and what specific functions and commands that you can execute?
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April 10, 2025 at 9:48 pm #104551
James Settle
ParticipantThe command line is an interface that allows a user a way to communicate with the computer using special commands similar to code. These specific commands allow the user to execute outside of a GUI or graphic user interface. I only utilize a few commands on the regular. The ping command which you allows you to verify network connectivity to a specific IP address across a network host. By itslef it will ping the network 4 times an return a percentage based on the ping attempts passed or failed. Utilizing the -t allows you to perform a timed ping that will continue to ping the specific IP address until CTRL-C is used to stop it.
The next command used is the tracert command which allows you to see the route a packet takes across the IP network.
Next is the ipconfig command which allows you to see a computers network configuration settings such as the IP address of the computer, subnet mask, default gateway and DNS server settings. When ipconfig /all is used it will display every available network connector from the PC in detail.Finally, the exit command allows you to exit command prompt. For bonus points the help commands gives you additional information on what commands can be used within the command prompt.
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April 11, 2025 at 3:41 pm #104583
Teisha Nolen
ParticipantHi James!
This is a great explanation of some of the commands that can be used with the Command Line Interface. I like how you tied the information back to the specific commands that you use regularly. I have used command line in previous roles, but don’t get to use it as much as I used to. For that reason, I think the help command might be my most used one! I find tracert and ipconfig particularly handy for helping to diagnose network issues.
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April 13, 2025 at 9:23 pm #104609
James Settle
ParticipantThanks Teisha,
I was very glad to receive the link in the lesson this week with the additional ms-command prompts as well.
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April 11, 2025 at 2:35 pm #104573
Teisha Nolen
ParticipantThe Command Line interface allows you to interact with your computer using text commands as opposed to clicking through the graphical interface (GUI). Command line can be faster than using GUI, and offers more flexibility, but is not necessarily user-friendly.
There are many things that you can do with command line commands. There are commands for file management, as well as disk management. You can add or delete files, as well as directories. You can move files and switch back and forth between directories. There are commands that allow you to create and format partitions, check and repair your hard disk, and even schedule regular scans. You can run scripts and batch files from this prompt. You can display your configuration and ping devices in your network.
The command line interface can be extremely helpful in troubleshooting and diagnosing computer and network issues. The command line interface is a valuable tool when you understand how to use it.
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April 14, 2025 at 4:25 pm #104633
Carlos Martes
ParticipantGreat post Tiesha. i do love the fact that you were able to explain how the command line interface in detail and how it works. Although i am still learning much about the CLI, it still amazes me how it severs a magnitude of purposes in regards to being in an IT field. It is essential for anyone pursuing this career to be able to be familiar with this. Again, great post!
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April 11, 2025 at 3:56 pm #104584
Carlos Martes
ParticipantWhen it comes to utilizing command lines, it is a text based interface that allows users to interact directly with the computers operating system by typing commands. It has a few purposes that are worth mentioning such as:
System Control: Perform advanced tasks that might not be available or are more efficient than using a graphical interface.
Automation: Run scripts and automate repetitive tasks.
Access to System Tools: Many powerful tools and settings are only accessible through the CLI.
Resource Efficiency: Uses fewer system resources than a graphical interface.
Some of the basic common functions and specific commands in both Windows Command Prompt and Unix/Linux Terminal you can use are:
cd (change directory when it comes to file management.
systeminfo (Windows)for System Info
ping, ipconfig (Windows), ipconfig (Linux/macOS) for Network Tools
net user (Windows), adduser (Linux). for User Management
apt install, apt update (Linux) for Software ManagementIn summary, it gives users powerful, direct control over their computer system. Tasks can be completed efficiently, it provides advance controls, the automation i which you can create scripts to automate tasks like backups, updates or even system checks. I believe that it is essential for users to be familiar with tools like this when it comes to It professionals or having a career in IT.
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April 13, 2025 at 9:46 pm #104610
James Settle
ParticipantAs with your other post this week, excellent work. I like the fact that you make the distinction marking which commands are for which operating system. Ipconfig versus ifconfig, etc. I am not sure that change directory, make directory, remove directory are the same in each operating system either, but would be great to investigate. I think knowing scripts is essential moving forward as an IT professional as well. The additional commands given as part of the presentation this week were superb, as there are literally hundreds and it does a great job at defining the use of each on and giving examples, so command [path]/[attrib] etc.,
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April 14, 2025 at 1:17 pm #104627
Cameron Tackett
ParticipantCarlos,
I really enjoyed the layout, as well as the great simplified definitions in your post. Linux is not something I have ever been to familiar with and am looking forward to seeing what everyone else knows. Being able to read about what you all know. Has been immensely helpful in my learning and understanding.
One question I do have. Is there a way you/anyone else here has to easier manage all the different OS’s and easier differentiate the subtle differences in their commands? This seems like a lot of different knowledge a lot like coding. If you don’t use it. Remembering it is very complicated.
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April 15, 2025 at 2:22 pm #104664
Isabelle Tubbs
ParticipantHello, Carlos! I like how you organized the benefits of command lines. It makes sense how command lines are efficient tools, but sometimes it can be hard to word the exact reasons. Although graphical user interfaces can sometimes be easier, the advanced tasks and smaller use of system resources do show the advantages of command line interfaces over graphical user interfaces. Is there a command that you think is used most often or that you use the most?
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April 11, 2025 at 11:04 pm #104597
Cameron Tackett
ParticipantCommand lines simply put, are shortcuts used to execute specific functions. For example if I am using a Windows based system. I could use cmd to open the command prompt. Then I could type out a specific function to. For example, scan a drive and see how full it is. Or defragment that drive. Another example I could use is. ipconfig this would show me all the data related to my network and my connection. This gives me access to my IP address. Which then could be shared or used to create locally hosted servers from my PC. Say for, Game servers if I wanted to host for some friends. Instead of using a Peer to Peer connection. I could also keep this server on so long as my system is on. Instead of having to have the game application running. Using chkdsk can be used to show the health of a certain drive. Which can be used in conjunction with a disk path to specify which disk you want to check.
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April 14, 2025 at 4:55 pm #104636
Misty Stewart
ParticipantHi Cameron,
I agree with you in the simple fact of command lines and shortcuts. Knowing how to use the command line is important for IT professionals and anyone looking to work in IT. The command line lets you control your computer directly by typing commands. It’s fast and gives you advanced options.Thanks.
Misty
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April 14, 2025 at 4:41 pm #104635
Misty Stewart
ParticipantThe command line is a way to talk to your computer by typing commands instead of using the mouse. It is like talking directly with your computer, and it’s quick, accurate, and very powerful for doing things like moving files or managing the system. The command line offers several key functions that make it a powerful tool for interacting with your computer.
You can navigate directories to move through folders and access files, manage files by creating, deleting, moving, and editing them efficiently, and run programs to execute scripts, applications, and background processes. Additionally, the command line is useful for system administration tasks such as configuring settings, managing users, and troubleshooting issues. It also handles networking tasks like connecting to servers, monitoring internet usage, and diagnosing connectivity problems.
For Windows Command Prompt (CMD), you can use commands like dir to list files and folders in a directory, cd to change the current directory, copy to copy files from one location to another, del to delete a file, and ipconfig to display network configuration.
For Linux/macOS Terminal, you can use commands like ls to list files and directories, cd to change the current directory, cp to copy files, rm to delete files, and ping to check network connectivity.
Each operating system has unique commands and variations, but the principles remain the same.-
April 14, 2025 at 10:51 pm #104642
James Settle
ParticipantGreat Post Misty. Command lines are literally an entirely other interface and way to interact with the operating system of the computer. We are so accustom to GUI’s or graphic user interfaces now, it is hard to imagine just having command line interface on PC. Are there any command line interface games you enjoy? I can remember playing CYOA, or choose your own adventure games on PC when I was younger.
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April 15, 2025 at 2:14 pm #104663
Isabelle Tubbs
ParticipantCommand lines allow IT professionals an efficient way to interact with the computer and give it commands by just entering a few lines of text. Some notable functions of command lines include showing information, editing information, and testing connections. To show a list of a computer’s directories, Linux uses the ls command. With commands like these, those in the IT field can gain the information they need. In fact, using the help command in Windows can even help someone to know the commands they are able to use. If someone wants to delete a file or directory in Linux, they must enter rm. This exemplifies the ability to edit information using command lines. Finally, to test a connection in Command Prompt/Windows Powershell, the ping command must be used. Testing a connection is extremely important for deciding what to do based on the results. Thus, command lines are vital tools for managing a computer and computer network.
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April 21, 2025 at 1:32 pm #105244
Caleb Kiser
ParticipantHi Isabelle,
You make a great point about how command lines provide quick access to powerful functions. The ability to show, edit, and test system information with just a few simple commands makes them incredibly efficient, especially in troubleshooting or managing systems. Tools like “ls”, “rm”, and “ping” are essential for IT pros.
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April 18, 2025 at 10:04 pm #104694
Caleb Kiser
ParticipantThe command line is a text-based interface that allows users to interact directly with a computer’s operating system by typing commands. While graphical interfaces are more common, the command line offers faster and more precise control, especially for tasks like file management, system configuration, and automation.
Basic commands include “cd” to change directories, “mkdir” to create folders, and “del” or “rm” to delete files. You can also use “ping” to test network connectivity, “ipconfig” to view network settings, and “tasklist” to see running processes. To read file contents, commands like “type” or “cat” are useful, and “find” or “findstr” help locate specific data within files.
Disk tools like “chkdsk” and “diskpart” allow users to manage drives and partitions. One of the biggest advantages of the command line is the ability to automate tasks through scripts, making it ideal for repetitive actions. PowerShell, available in Windows, extends these capabilities with more advanced scripting and system control.
Although it can seem intimidating at first, learning to use the command line gives users more control, efficiency, and flexibility when working with their computer.
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