API = application programming interface
An API is a series of functions that programs can use to make the operating system do their
dirty work. Using Windows
APIs, for example, a program can open windows, files, and message boxes--as well as perform more complicated tasks--by passing a single instruction. Windows has several classes of APIs that deal with
telephony, messaging, and other issues.
Windows uses an
api called the Win32
API. You can access many command via the
command prompt. Start >> Run >> Type in "command" or "
cmd"