DOS For Dummies 2nd Edition (Dan Gookin / IDG Books / 1993)

“DOS For Dummies” was the book that launched the series, which has covered everything from tech to pregnancy. I have a fondness for their computer-related releases from the 90s, with the iconic yellow covers and weird triangle head dude.

Last year I started picking up 90s PC books whenever I’d come across them for a buck or two at thrift stores, and this 2nd edition of DOS For Dummies is a definite highlight. Let’s take a look inside.

When you first open the book there’s a removable bookmark with hotkeys and a rrelatively helpful cheat sheet of shortcuts.

Apparently the cheat sheet is a $2.95 value?

The actual text begins with three paragraphs about turning the computer on, written in the irreverent For Dummies style.

We move on to the most popular DOS command, DIR.

Naturally, this is followed up with changing directories (followed by more goofy writing).

Some good cross-promotion here:

Remember: this book was written pre-Win95!

Of Mice and Modems:

Disks:

makes u think
Helpful!

Microsoft Diagnostics:

Love 2 Defrag:

And those are what I consider the highlights from the book. There are also Far Side-esque cartoons throughout but if you want to see those you’ll need to find your own copy at a thrift store.

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