Database - Files of information stored on one or more computers.
Datacasting - TV broadcasting that offers
special options such as downloading data to a DTV. Also called enhanced tv.
Data logger - A device used to measure and
record input from sensors such as temperature or pressure.
Read more
about data loggers.
DAT - Digital Audio Tape
DCE - Data Communications Equipment.
DC voltage - Direct current voltage. This
is the type of voltage commonly used in electronics. The power supply in a
computer converts 110 AC voltage to DC voltage that can be used by the
electronic components inside the computer.
DDR Memory - Dual Data Rate Memory. Used
for system and video card memory.
Debugger - A program that allows the user
to detect errors in a program. Internet explorer comes with a simple script
debugger that can be turned on in the advanced options. This IE debugger allows
web site developers to "debug" web sites.
Debugging - The process of tracking and
correcting errors.
Decomposition - In computer programming
terms, it means to take a problem and break it into smaller parts.
Dedicated servers - A server that is built
and used for a specific task. For example - file servers (sends and receives
files), fax servers (dedicated to receiving and sending faxes only), email
servers (sending and receiving emails only).
Defragging - This is a housekeeping
utility for a hard disk. After time, data becomes scattered across a
hard drive and causes the system to not respond as quick. A defrag utility puts
all the data back in a structured order that makes data easier and faster to
access. It is recommended that you do this at least once a month to keep your
system running at top speed. Windows comes with this utility. Go to my computer,
right click on the drive you wish to defrag, then click on the tools tab. There
you will see the utility.
Click here
to see an in-depth article on defragging. |
Here are 10 tips to speed up your PC.
DES - Data Encryption Standard.
Device - Any piece of equipment with a
specific or special purpose.
Dialog box - A window that opens up
offering the user input options to the task / program that they are using. This
is not the same as a popup on the internet.
Digital - Devices that use calculation
directly with digits instead of measurable physical quantities. Data signals are
one of two levels corresponding to either 1 or 0 digit.
DIMM - Dual Inline Memory Module. A memory
chip design that is most commonly found with 144 pin (notebooks) and 168 pin
(desktops) configurations.
Diode - An electronic part that restricts
and directs
electrons (or electricity) to flow in only one direction.
Click here for
more information about the uses of diodes.
DIP Switches - Dual Inline Pin. Some older
pieces of hardware, namely modems, required one to flip a set of small switches
to set the COM port.
Dissipation - The release of heat from
electrical components. i.e. - A cpu dissipates heat through a heat sink
and fan.
Disk cache - A portion of a hard drive
that is used to cache data (see cache). It is not as quick as physical memory,
but does help speed up computer processing. Settings are controlled
automatically in Windows XP. We recommend to sticking with the automatic
setting.
Display Device - Hardware devices that
convert electrical signals into visible signals.
Here is
more information about display devices.
DLC - Data Link Control
DLL - Dynamic Link Library. A file that is
loaded by relevant programs to access information needed to run the software. A
single DLL file can be shared by multiple relevant programs.
DLP - Digital Laser Projector.
Here is more information about DLP's.
DMA - Direct Memory Access. This function
allows the CPU to gain immediate access to buffers from another piece of
hardware.
DNS - Domain Name System.
Dolby Digital - The digital surround sound
system used in most movie and home theater systems.
Domain name - A unique name which
identifies a individual site on the internet. Although we see "user friendly"
names, the web address is actually a set of numbers (ip address).
Click here
to see an article about domain names.
DOS - Disk Operating System. Ahh, the good
ole days! This is were it all started. Just a command prompt and a black screen.
You can still get the effect by going to the command prompt in Windows XP but
it's just not the same.
Dot Matrix Printer - A printer that
produces dots to form characters. Dot matrix printers are still in use and
mainly for character output - meaning letters and numbers. They are not well
suited for graphics or high quality letters.
DPI - Dots Per Inch. A measure of the
computer monitor screen resolution.
DRAM - Dynamic Random Access Memory.
Drag and Drop - The process of dragging an
item (icons) with a mouse. For example, left click on a zip file, while holding
the left button, move the mouse pointer to a zip program icon and release the
button. Then the zip program will open the zip file that was clicked on.
Driver - Software used to control a piece
of hardware in a computer.
DSL - Digital Subscriber Line.
DSP - Digital Signal Processor.
DSS - Digital Satellite System.
DTE - Data Terminal Equipment.
DTV - Digital Television.
Duplex - A term that refers to
transferring
data in two directions (see full duplex and half duplex).
DVD - Digital Video Disk.
Click here for an
article about DVD history and the advantages of using this type of media.|
Click here
for some DVD burning tips.|
DVD formats are explained here.
DVI Cables - Digital Video Interface
Cables. Click here
for more information about DVI cables
HOME
|
