From HowToGeek

Cmd.exe is the command prompt application for Windows.

Contents 1 Overview 2 Batch Processing 3 Alternate Shells 4 History 5 See Also 6 References

Overview

The command prompt in Windows has long been known for being underpowered compared to operating systems such as Linux.

Batch Processing

You can create scripts known as "batch files" that run under the cmd.exe process and allow you to perform numerous commands at once. These scripts could be used for common system administration tasks. (todo: include example here)

Alternate Shells

You can run a number of alternate shells under cmd.exe including Cygwin, to provide a "linux" environment and allow you to run many linux packages.

History

The command prompt in earlier versions of Windows was command.com instead of cmd.exe.

See Also

• Hide Flashing Command Line and Batch File Windows on Startup
• Keyboard Ninja: Scrolling the Windows Command Prompt with Only the Keyboard
• Use Command Prompt Here in Windows Vista

References

• Cygwin

List of Windows Components v
Features	Windows Aero - System Restore - Previous Versions - SuperFetch - User Account Control (UAC) - Offline Files - ReadyDrive - Instant Search - Windows Sidebar - Parental Controls - Speech Recognition - ClearType - DirectX 10 - ReadyBoost - BitLocker - Flip3D - Remote Desktop - Search Folders - Tablet PC - Windows SideShow
Services	Task Scheduler - Desktop Window Manager - Application Experience - Application Host Helper Service - Application Information - Application Layer Gateway Service - Application Management - Background Intelligent Transfer Service - Base Filtering Engine - Block Level Backup Engine Service - Certificate Propagation - COM+ Event System - Computer Browser - DHCPClient
Applications	Notepad - Windows Mail - Internet Explorer - Command Prompt (Cmd.exe) - Windows Calendar - Mobility Center - Task Manager - Photo Gallery - Windows Media Center - Windows Media Player - Wordpad - Windows Sidebar - Snipping Tool - Windows Contacts - Device Manager - Disk Defragmenter - Event Viewer - Fax and Scan - Windows Journal - Windows Meeting Space - Windows DVD Maker - Windows Easy Transfer
Security	User Account Control (UAC) - Windows Defender - Windows Firewall
Admin Tools	Control Panel - Device Manager - Microsoft Management Console (MMC)