Erik Larkin
Microsoft has big plans for the trusty old C:\\ prompt. For its upcoming Windows Vista operating system, the company is developing a new command-line interface, or shell -- the text-based controls typically accessed by clicking Command Prompt (under Start Menu, Programs, Accessories) in Windows XP.
Code-named Monad, the new shell will enable a host of new programs known as scripts -- something at which rival Unix operating systems have historically excelled. While these new commands and scripts will interest primarily administrators and power users, less-technical types may benefit from Monad scripts that could circulate on the Internet as Unix scripts do. For example, a Monad script might quickly reorganize files and directories based on their name or creation date -- a task that can take a fair bit of manual labor in Windows Explorer.
A beta version of Monad for Windows XP is available as a free download. Registration is required, and you will also need to have.Net Framework 2.0 (available at the same page) installed.
Copyright 2005 PC World Communications, Inc.
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