The Dir command has some command line parameters to make the display more readable or to show hidden files.  Possible parameters are:

/p : pause - if the result of a DIR command is more than 25 lines, it will pause and wait for a key press to show the next 25 lines.

/a : show all files (hidden, system, read-only, archive + all directories)

/o : sort in alphabetical order, directories first.

/s : show all files, including those in subdirectories

/w : display the output in columns

For all the possible options type dir /? at a command prompt.

The parameters can be used at the command line, however, to make them permanent, right click My Computer and choose Properties (or press Win + Pause)

Click the Advanced tab, then click the Environment Variables button.

In this dialog box there are two windows, called User Variables and System Variables

Below the System Variable box click on the New button.  A new dialog box opens called New System Variable.  In the first field, Variable Name, type: DIRCMD.  In the second field, Variable Value, type the parameters you want to use such as /p/a/o/s

In the Value box you enter the parameters you want to use, like /p/a/o.

Click the OK button.

Click the OK button to close the System applet window, and the changes will be applied immediately.  No need to reboot.