3 years ago my primary usage of the command line was on Linux web servers. occasionally I would need DOS prompt access for doing mysql maintenance on my Windows machine, but the Windows Run box was mainly used for regedit.
I use Run a bit more now, but I find myself using the same commands most of the time. Windows experts out there will probably know most of these already, but it is worth listing them anyway.
- Runas
The one I use most often is “runas.” The story behind hunting for this is posted here, so I won’t bother with the long story. I use runas mainly in our domain to access content on other machines, run programs as admin, and use the Control Panel as admin. It sure beats logging out and in and then out and back in.
runas /user:domain\username “explorer /separate”
Once you hit enter a black box will ask for your password. If your command and user info is correct then Windows Explorer will pop up with that user’s full privileges. From Windows Explorer you can make it into Internet Explorer or evenmake any settings changes you want.
- Shutdown
I use remote desktop a lot. I use it to reach systems from home (usually through a VPN or computer hopping) and to run some security camera boxes that I have not physically touched in months. I usually reboot them once a month as part of the update, file cleanup, and maintenance I do on them. Since I don’t touch them I rely on reboot.
shutdown -r /t 1 (”r” for reboot, the “t” for setting the delay time, and “1″ because I am impatient
shutdown -s (”s” is for shutdown and I just use the default 30 sec countdown in case I change my mind
shutdown -a (”a” is for abort when I realize I didn’t mean to shutdown)
shutdown -i (”i” is for interactive GUI. This makes shutting down other people’s computers easier. Remember the fine line between having fun and getting your nose punched.)
- Remote Desktop
mstsc
The Microsoft Terminal Service Client is typically located at Start > Programs > Accessories > Communications > Remote Desktop Connection. I typically give it the shortcut [ctrl]-[alt]-r but I have been on computers where the shortcut is lost. All I need to remember is the mstsc.
What Run commands do you use?
There is a bunch here: 156 Useful Run Commands, but many are just typing the exe filename of the application. I am interested in stuff that is more clever than that.
hey! i am fascinated by this stuff too! using the command line/terminal makes me feel so much more…elite… and in control! haha, maybe i just want to do things differently than the normal user. sadly, i have no extra-fun run commands, but if i stumble across any, i’ll be sure to give you a shout! i’m sure you already know about “ping” and “tracert” (which you have to add a domain after)… those are fun! i love running a tracert and then locating the IPs that come up.
tracert osministry.com
that would be it! enjoy!
I have been using tracert a lot today. Some link between Comcast (my internet provider) and the datacenter where this server with all the sites I need is located has been acting up.
I cannot get from here to there. But, traceroutes from other places are working. I am posting this via the VPN to the church where Nuvox is carrying the connection just fine.