A command prompt is simply a way of manipulating files and running scripts via text command instead of the pointing and clicking of a mouse. Command prompts are the original way of navigating computers. Before Windows there was DOS which was nothing but a command prompt. For some tutorials here on Almost Geek a command prompt will be necessary and they will be linked to this post.
In Windows XP: Start > Accessories > Command Prompt
In Windows Vista / Windows 7: Start > type ‘cmd’ and press enter. For an elevated (administrative access) command prompt you will need to right click on ‘cmd’ in the start menu search results and click “Run as administrator”