DATE
----

Format:        DATE [date]

Purpose:       Displays or sets the current date.

Use:           If the date is given after the  command,  then 
          the  date is set to this value (for the format  see 
          below). If the date is not given after the command, 
          then  the  current date and day of week is  printed 
          and the new date is prompted for and input.  If  no 
          input  is given (ie.  if the 'RETURN' key alone  is 
          pressed)  then  the  current date is  not  altered. 
          Otherwise  the input is assumed to be a  new  date, 
          and is interpreted as described below.  If the date 
          is  invalid then an error message is displayed  and 
          the new date again prompted for and input.

                    The  format of the date is flexible,  and 
          is specified by a VT-DOS variable (see HELP VAR for 
          details).  This  variable  allows the  date  to  be 
          printed and input in the form of the UK format (DD-
          MM-YY),   the   American  format  (MM-DD-YY),   the 
          international format (YY-MM-DD) or indeed any other 
          format.  When inputting, the separators may be ',', 
          '-',  '.',  '/',  ':' or space,  with spaces either 
          side  of the separator.  Leading zeros on the  date 
          numbers  are not significant.  Any  missing  fields 
          will default to the current value.

Examples:

     DATE 12-7-85

               The  current  date  is set  to  the  specified 
          value.


     DATE
     Current date is Fri 12-7-85
     Enter new date: 

               No parameter was given, so the current date is 
          printed and a new date prompted for.


     DATE 85/2/1

               The  date  format has been changed to the  ISO 
          format, and the new date set using this format.
