Marking Scheme for MS-DOS Quiz 1

Part 1: Basic Terminology and Concepts

1. What does the acronym MS-DOS stand for? (2 marks)

• 1 mark for correctly stating "Microsoft Disk Operating System."

• 1 mark for providing a brief explanation of what MS-DOS is (e.g., an operating system developed by Microsoft
for personal computers).

2. We discussed at least a dozen commands used in MS-DOS. List 4 commands and their functions. (8 marks)

• 2 marks for each correct command and its function (1 mark for listing the correct command, 1 mark for correctly
explaining its function).
o Example commands: DIR, COPY, DEL, CD, etc.

3. We discussed 3 ways to open MS-DOS. Discuss the three ways. (6 marks)

• 2 marks for each method (1 mark for identifying a correct method, 1 mark for a brief explanation of how to do
it).
o Example methods: using the Command Prompt shortcut, running through the Start menu, or using "Run"
(with "cmd" or "command").

4. What is the difference between CD.. and CD. in MS-DOS? (4 marks)

• 2 marks for each explanation (1 mark for explaining CD.. correctly, 1 mark for explaining CD. correctly).
o CD.. moves up one directory level, while CD. keeps you in the current directory.

5. We discussed folders in MS-DOS, and gave a series of examples. What is a folder in the context of MS-DOS? (3
marks)

• 1 mark for defining what a folder is.

• 2 marks for explaining its role in organizing files (e.g., a folder in MS-DOS is used to organize and manage
groups of files or directories).

6. We have C: in MS-DOS. What is it, and what is its function? (4 marks)

• 1 mark for defining C: as the default primary drive in MS-DOS.

• 3 marks for explaining its function (e.g., it stores the operating system and user data files).

Part 2: Directory and File Management

7. In case a student asks a teacher to change the name of a directory, what command should the student use? (3
marks)

• 3 marks for correctly identifying the REN (or RENAME) command and explaining its function in renaming a
directory.

8. When you no longer need a file on your computer, what command can you use to delete it? (3 marks)

• 3 marks for correctly identifying the DEL (or DELETE) command and explaining its function.

9. If I want to delete a file that is not in the current directory, what message will I receive in MS-DOS? (3 marks)
 • 3 marks for identifying the error message (e.g., "The system cannot find the file specified").

10. List at least 3 other operating systems that are commonly used today. (3 marks)

• 1 mark for each correct operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
o Maximum of 3 marks, so no partial credit for listing more than 3 operating systems.

Part 3: File Handling and System Functions

11. Is it essential to save a file when using a computer? (4 marks)

• 1 mark for stating that it is essential to save files.

• 3 marks for explaining why (e.g., to prevent data loss, to retain changes, and to make the file accessible later).

12. Changing the name of a file is crucial. Please explain why. (4 marks)

• 1 mark for recognizing the importance of file names.

• 3 marks for explaining the practical reasons for renaming (e.g., to better organize files, to make files easier to
identify, or to avoid confusion).

13. What is a cursor in computing? (3 marks)

• 3 marks for correctly defining a cursor as the pointer or marker on the screen used to indicate where text or
commands will be placed or executed.

14. Explain the process of creating a file, including the commands used. (6 marks)

• 2 marks for explaining the steps in creating a file.

• 4 marks for identifying the correct commands (COPY CON, EDIT, TYPE > for creating a new file) and explaining
how they work.

15. If a file already exists, is it possible to create another file with a similar name in MS-DOS? (4 marks)

• 2 marks for recognizing that MS-DOS does not allow files with exactly the same name in the same directory.
• 2 marks for explaining possible workarounds (e.g., using a different extension, renaming the file).

16. In what areas of life can MS-DOS still be used today? (5 marks)

• 2 marks for listing at least two relevant areas where MS-DOS can still be used.
• 3 marks for providing detailed examples (e.g., for system recovery, embedded systems, old software applications,
automation).

Part 4: General Knowledge and Reflection

17. Explain the role of file extensions in MS-DOS. How do file extensions affect file handling? (4 marks)

• 2 marks for explaining what file extensions are in MS-DOS (e.g., .txt, .exe, .bat).
• 2 marks for describing how extensions affect file recognition, execution, or association with programs.

18. How does MS-DOS compare to modern operating systems, and why do some people still use it today? (5 marks)

• 2 marks for comparing MS-DOS with modern operating systems (e.g., MS-DOS is text-based, modern OSes are
GUI-based).
 • 3 marks for explaining why MS-DOS is still used (e.g., lightweight for specific tasks, compatibility with older
systems).

19. What are the advantages of using command-line interfaces like MS-DOS over graphical user interfaces
(GUIs)? (5 marks)

• 2 marks for describing the concept of command-line interfaces and their function.
• 3 marks for discussing the advantages (e.g., faster performance, lower resource usage, more control over system
functions).

20. Discuss the significance of batch files in MS-DOS and their use in automating tasks. (5 marks)

• 2 marks for explaining what batch files are and how they work. (A batch file is a script file that stores commands to be
executed in a serial order. It helps automate routine tasks without requiring user input or intervention. Some common applications of batch
files include loading programs, running multiple processes or performing repetitive actions in a sequence in the system.)
• 3 marks for providing examples of their use (e.g., automating repetitive tasks, running multiple commands in
sequence).

Total Marks: 70

• Part 1: 24 marks
• Part 2: 16 marks
• Part 3: 31 marks
• Part 4: 21 marks