---------------------------------------------------------------- 
       
                           A TURBOCHARGED SHORTCUT!
       
       ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
       
       There is always a shortcut to any process if you apply a little 
       thought and a bit of technology. As mentioned previously, you 
       need to identify files on a disk containing text or 
       instruction documentation and then view the contents of the 
       file. A previous section showed you how to use the DOS TYPE
       and PRINT commands to print the contents of a suspected text 
       file to either the screen or paper.

       If DOS commands and structure are not interesting or you don't 
       have the time to learn DOS, there exist programs called DOS 
       SHELLS which essentially provide DOS access for routine things 
       like moving and copying files AND QUICKLY VIEWING THE INTERNAL
       CONTENTS OF SUSPECTED TEXT FILES; these menu programs hide the 
       DOS commands behind a series of "point and select" choices 
       similar to the point and shoot menus you use on game programs 
       and serious business software. 
       
       The typical DOS shell is a package which surrounds DOS (like a 
       shell, hence the name) and allows you to perform the most common 
       DOS functions by pressing only one or two keys or moving a 
       highlighted arrow. Very appealing for beginners! This may be
       all the DOS control most people need . . .

       Some practical and easy DOS shell packages include: Still River 
       Shell, DOS2ools, PC Tools, Powermenu, Automenu, Dirmagic and 
       Directory Freedom. DR.COM and its companion shell programs
       CO.COM and RN.COM are extremely simple shells suited for
       beginners which most computer clubs and shareware disk vendors
       carry. The author of this package uses the Directory Freedom 
       shell which you may also wish to investigate.
       
       If you are beginner and don't want to be troubled learning DOS, 
       then a shell program is the easiest way to use the PC. And one 
       of the easier ways to view text files.