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data
Information stored and processed by a computer. Data can come in many forms, such as text, graphics and sounds. Even the music on an audio CD can be
referred to as data. Data is usully stored in files, which live in folders on a hard disk or floppy disk.
data bits
This is the number of bits containing data in a modem file transfer. Because 8 bits make up a character, data bits are often referred to as character bits.
desktop computer
A personal computer, Apple Macintosh or UNIX machine operating as a self-contained unit or linked to a network that is physically small enough to fit on a desk.
disk drive
A physcal data storage device such as a hard disk and a floppy disk. Strictly speaking disk drive refers the mechanical device rather than the storage media.
domain name
The unique address of a computer on the Internet, comprised of several sub-domains that are used to group computers together. For example, all computers with
uk at the end of their domain name are located in the UK, but some of these will be located at academic sites (...ac.uk), and others on commercial premises
(...co.uk). Organisations often use org - such as
http://www.wessex.org.uk/.
DOS
A common abbreviation for the IBM and Microsoft Disk Operating System. It is a very common operating system which uses a command-line interface.
dots per inch(DPI)
a measurement of how many picture elements, pixels are included per inch. This term is used extensively to discuss the output resolution of printers.
dot pitch
A measure of the proximity of the coloured dots on the phosphor screen of a TV or computer monitor. The smaller the dot pitch, the sharper the image.
download
The process of getting a file from a remote host computer to your own machine over a communications link.
driver
A small file containing instructions to control hardware such as a sound card, video card, modem, printer and floptical or CD ROM drive.
dual scan display
A type of passive matrix technology used in low-end notebook computer screens.
duplex
A full duplex link allows data can be sent and received simultaneously whereas a half duplex link alternate between sending and receiving data. You will encounter
this term when setting up communications software.