Rainbow MS-DOS Version 2.11 Documentation

This document is a comprehensive collection of manuals for the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) Rainbow personal computer's MS-DOS Version 2.11 operating system, published in October 1984. It serves various user levels, from first-time users to advanced programmers.

The kit is structured into several key guides:

1. Update Instructions: Provides step-by-step procedures for users upgrading from older MS-DOS versions (2.01 or 2.05) to 2.11. It covers updating diskettes with application files, managing copy-protected diskettes, and configuring hard disks, emphasizing the critical need for data backup.
2. Getting Started: Designed for new users, this guide details the fundamental operations of the Rainbow computer. It explains how to physically set up the machine, perform startup and shutdown sequences, properly handle and copy diskettes (including formatting blank diskettes), set the system's date and time, and understand basic system messages.
3. Using the Hard Disk: This manual focuses on integrating and managing a Winchester hard disk with the MS-DOS system. It explains hard disk partitioning, copying operating system files to the hard disk, and configuring both manual and automatic startup options from the hard drive. It also includes sections on diagnosing and resolving hard disk problems using the Winchester Utility Program.
4. User's Guide: Introduces the core concepts of the MS-DOS operating system. It provides hands-on exercises for executing common commands, correcting errors, checking diskette integrity (CHKDSK), creating, editing, and printing text files using the EDLIN line editor, and performing file management tasks like copying, deleting, and listing directories. It also covers various internal and external MS-DOS commands for system settings and disk operations.
5. Advanced User's Guide: Targets experienced users and programmers, offering in-depth information on advanced MS-DOS features. This includes managing hierarchical directory structures and pathnames, utilizing batch file processing with replaceable parameters (e.g., AUTOEXEC.BAT), redirecting input/output, and employing utility filters (FIND, MORE, SORT). It also details a range of advanced commands, the File Comparison (FC) utility, and the MS-LINK program for combining object modules. Additionally, it addresses international features and configuring the system through the CONFIG.SYS file.

Collectively, these manuals provide a thorough resource for installing, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the MS-DOS Version 2.11 environment on the Rainbow computer.