HP 250 - Chapter 8: System Commands; Accessing Files on Storage Devices

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System Commands
You use system commands to execute programs, clear memory, store
or retrieve files, delete files, copy files, and output
i n forma t ion.
All mass storage operations deal with files, which are the basic
component of a storage medium.
When you turn your HP 250 system on, the device used to load the
operating system is automatically specified as the default mass
storage device, unless another device is specified in the CONFIG
program. This is the device to which all file operations are
directed if no other device is specified.
REMI NDER
Although all commands can be used with a
cartridge tape drive, it is not intended
to be used as a disc. Any use other
than copying files in a sequential fash-
ion will probably lead to poor perform-
ance and early drive failure.
Accessing Files on Storage Devices
Wherever a file name is used in a system command, a unit
specifier or a volume name can be included. The unit specifier
is the physical location of the file (a cartridge tape, hard
disc, flexible disc) while the volume name is a name that you
assign to a storage medium with the PRINT LABEL command.
The following is analogous to accessing files on your HP 250
system. Suppose you asked a friend to come to your home. Once
this friend arrives at your street, there are several ways he can
locate your home. One way could be that the friend is aware that
your name is painted on your mailbox; he can look at every
mailbox until he finds the right name. Another way could be that
you told the friend your street address; with this piece of
information, your friend can locate your home easily.
8-1
----------.j~ 8_
System Commands
You use system commands to execute programs, clear memory, store
or retrieve files, delete files, copy files, and output
i n forma t ion.
All mass storage operations deal with files, which are the basic
component of a storage medium.
When you turn your HP 250 system on, the device used to load the
operating system is automatically specified as the default mass
storage device, unless another device is specified in the CONFIG
program. This is the device to which all file operations are
directed if no other device is specified.
REMI NDER
Although all commands can be used with a
cartridge tape drive, it is not intended
to be used as a disc. Any use other
than copying files in a sequential fash-
ion will probably lead to poor perform-
ance and early drive failure.
Accessing Files on Storage Devices
Wherever a file name is used in a system command, a unit
specifier or a volume name can be included. The unit specifier
is the physical location of the file (a cartridge tape, hard
disc, flexible disc) while the volume name is a name that you
assign to a storage medium with the PRINT LABEL command.
The following is analogous to accessing files on your HP 250
system. Suppose you asked a friend to come to your home. Once
this friend arrives at your street, there are several ways he can
locate your home. One way could be that the friend is aware that
your name is painted on your mailbox; he can look at every
mailbox until he finds the right name. Another way could be that
you told the friend your street address; with this piece of
information, your friend can locate your home easily.
8-1