Batch files are relatively simple step-saving programs that can replace complicated DOS procedures. This volume and accompanying diskette walk through every step in writing files designed to automatically execute complex instructions. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

A comprehensive guide to automated financial recordkeeping now updated to include the latest release of Peachtree Complete for the more than a quarter of a million Peachtree users, this book fills the gap left between the software's documentation and not free technical support. Now with this book, small business owners can learn all there is to know about computerizing their accounting, accounts receivable and payable, inventory, and payroll tasks . Plus, for those upgrading from Peachtree Complete 11, this book offers concrete guidance.

The Batchography book is a boon for system administrators, build engineers, programers and home users alike. It takes you on a journey of re-discovery of the lost art of Batch files programming. Whether you are an experienced user or new to the language, you will be surprised by the clarity and the abundance of the material presented in this book. With more than 140 scripting recipes, you will learn about things that you never thought were possible to achieve using the Batch files scripting language.

"Raymond Chen is the original raconteur of Windows." --Scott Hanselman, ComputerZen.com "Raymond has been at Microsoft for many years and has seen many nuances of Windows that others could only ever hope to get a glimpse of. With this book, Raymond shares his knowledge, experience, and anecdotal stories, allowing all of us to get a better understanding of the operating system that affects millions of people every day. This book has something for everyone, is a casual read, and I highly recommend it!" --Jeffrey Richter, Author/Consultant, Cofounder of Wintellect "Very interesting read. Raymond tells the inside story of why Windows is the way it is." --Eric Gunnerson, Program Manager, Microsoft Corporation "Absolutely essential reading for understanding the history of Windows, its intricacies and quirks, and why they came about." --Matt Pietrek, MSDN Magazine's Under the Hood Columnist "Raymond Chen has become something of a legend in the software industry, and in this book you'll discover why. From his high-level reminiscences on the design of the Windows Start button to his low-level discussions of GlobalAlloc that only your inner-geek could love, The Old New Thing is a captivating collection of anecdotes that will help you to truly appreciate the difficulty inherent in designing and writing quality software." --Stephen Toub, Technical Editor, MSDN Magazine Why does Windows work the way it does? Why is Shut Down on the Start menu? (And why is there a Start button, anyway?) How can I tap into the dialog loop? Why does the GetWindowText function behave so strangely? Why are registry files called "hives"? Many of Windows' quirks have perfectly logical explanations, rooted in history. Understand them, and you'll be more productive and a lot less frustrated. Raymond Chen--who's spent more than a decade on Microsoft's Windows development team--reveals the "hidden Windows" you need to know. Chen's engaging style, deep insight, and thoughtful humor have made him one of the world's premier technology bloggers. Here he brings together behind-the-scenes explanations, invaluable technical advice, and illuminating anecdotes that bring Windows to life--and help you make the most of it. A few of the things you'll find inside: What vending machines can teach you about effective user interfaces A deeper understanding of window and dialog management Why performance optimization can be so counterintuitive A peek at the underbelly of COM objects and the Visual C++ compiler Key details about backwards compatibility--what Windows does and why Windows program security holes most developers don't know about How to make your program a better Windows citizen

Updated to cover DOS 5, this book includes enhanced coverage of bath file commands, material on several new code compilers, and an expanded "cookbook" reference section. Provides lots of sample programs, complete with line-by-line explanations, all of which are available on disk.

Featuring WinBatch, a powerful new batch file development program for Windows, this manual explains everything there is to know about using the utility to produce simple and advanced Windows batch files. All program commands are covered in detail, and important tips, tricks, and warnings are highlighted throughout. Includes 200 practical batch files on a 3.5" disk. 150 illustrations.

THE ONLY HANDS-ON, UP-TO-DATE GUIDE TO VBSCRIPT, THE WINDOWS COMMAND LINE, AND WINDOWS POWERSHELL Windows 7 and Vista contain state-of-the-art tools for streamlining or automating virtually any system management task. If you’re a power user, administrator, or developer, these tools can help you eliminate repetitive work and manage your systems far more reliably and effectively. Renowned Windows expert Brian Knittel brings together the practical knowledge you need to use all these tools, including VBScript and Windows Scripting Host (WSH), traditional batch files, the advanced PowerShell command console, and more. Using plenty of examples, Knittel explains how each tool works, and how to solve real-world problems with them. You’ll master techniques ranging from accessing files to manipulating the Registry, sending automated emails to configuring new users. Knittel also provides concise, handy references to Windows 7/Vista’s command line, GUI scripting, and object-based management tools. The only single-source guide to all leading methods of Windows scripting and automation, this book will help you get far more done–in far less time! Understand Windows Scripting Host (WSH) and the modern Windows scripting environment Script objects with VBScript, JScript, ActivePerl, and ActivePython Read and write files, including XML and HTML files Manipulate programs and shortcuts Manage network, printer, and fax connections Make the most of PowerShell under Windows 7 and Vista Monitor and administer Windows systems with Windows Management Interface (WMI) Use ADSI to control Active Directory and Microsoft Exchange, and manage users more efficiently Avoid mistakes that can compromise script security Use Windows’ debugging tools to test and troubleshoot scripts Develop batch files that take full advantage of the command line Send faxes and email messages from scripts with Windows Fax and Collaboration Data Objects (CDO) Deploy your scripts throughout your organization Brian Knittel has been a software developer for more than 30 years. He has coauthored five titles in Que’s Special Edition Using series, covering Microsoft Windows Vista, XP, and 2000. He is also author of Windows XP Under the Hood, and coauthor of Upgrading and Repairing Windows (with Scott Mueller).

Explores the Microsoft Windows XP interface, covering the batch file language and documenting the commandline utilities.

Concise, precise information for beginning, intermediate, and advanced users ion using batch files to save time and increase productivity. Updated to cover DOS through Version 5. Includes clear instruction on creating a first batch file, and details on using DEBUG to enhance your batch files.