The most basic of all basics is the command prompt. In my opinion, all users of Windows should know how to at least get around in command prompt without issues and it’s hard for me to trust someone in the technical field that can’t even perform simple tasks like changing directories or a drive.
What on you on about? Windows history is rooted in command prompt and even though it is not as tied into command prompt as it once was, it still has a uses to quickly trouble-shoot issues to this day. Just to give an example, I work with large file systems, opening the main folder in file explorer is a waste of time and will take minutes to do a task that should only take seconds. I can quickly go to the directories I need and even perform a file copy in a small fraction of that time. If I wan’t I can even open file explorer to the subdirectories that I want to actually view and not have to deal with the large root directory. Other tools it contains: formatting drives, partitioning drives, network trouble-shooting, simple scripting with batch files useful for basic programming and simple automation jobs and more.
This is the most over looked primary skill in someones toolbox, I don’t expect someone to know every aspect of command prompt but the minimum expectation is that you can move through drives and directories without tossing your hands up in frustration.
This is the gateway drug: Spending less than a few hours just to learn the power of Windows command line can lead you to stronger more powerful command lines (CLI) that are even more key to your portfolio, Windows Powershell and ultimately the Linux CLI. Learning batch file scripting is an easy way to checkout programming and maybe realize that you want to learn more languages like JavaScript, Python or any one of the other thousand flavors of development languages out there.
At minimum, a level one tech should be-able to have this in their resume by end of their first month on the job.
Checkout these Resources:
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-use-command-prompt/
Windows Command Line Tutorial – 1 – Introduction to the Command Prompt
21 CMD Prompt Commands You Should Know
Udemy: Windows Command Line Complete Course(CMD, Batch Script) 2021
I am not paid, sponsored by, invested in or even remotely related to the linked sites, products or companies listed in this article. This is a blog post and honest recommendations of sites and/or products that I have documented to help everyone in our community.