Explain the purpose and function of batch files. Batch files are used to simplify long complex OS commands. They allow a user to put together a string of commands and execute them with one command. They also make it easy to place any repetitive steps in an easily remembered file name. Compare and contrast batch processing with interactive processing.
Interactive processing requires continuous user interaction.
Batch processing does not. In interactive processing the user interfaces with the computer directly by giving the computer an instruction and the computer performing that one instruction. In batch processing the computer runs a series of instructions without interruptions. This means that the user gives the computer a long series of instructions first and then the computer goes through them without any user intervention. The OS will first check for any file name internally, then any file with the .COM extension, then .EXE and last the .BAT extension.