DAC

Digital to Analogue Converter. Converts information between the two information types.

DAT

Digital Audio Tape. Vaguely resembling a Compact Cassette but information is stored digitally. Because of this, it can act as a great medium for backups. There are 3 different types of DAT Backup tape, DDS-1, DDS-2 and DDS-3, the only real difference being the amount they can store (with DDS-1 being the least and DDS-3 the most).

Data

The binary contents of a file, whether a Word document or a sound file.

Database

A system which collects individual pieces of data such as a person's name and address, and allows easy and quick access to it, such as a database of customer information.

Device Driver

A small piece of software which tells an Operating System how to communicate with an accessory, whether a peripheral or an internal piece of hardware.

DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.A way of automatically allocating an IP address to a machine, either across a network or when a PC dials up to a provider.

Dialog Box

An information box that pops onto the screen to ask for more information or to warn that an error has occurred.

Dial-up

The process of a machine making a modem dial and connect to another computer for reasons such as using the Internet, checking E-Mail or playing games.

DIMM

Dual In-lin Memory Module. Similar to SIMM but of a different design, designed to make upgrading the RAM in a PC much easier. DIMMS can be used individually, rather than SIMMS which need to be used in pairs.

Direct-X

A language used in Windows to access video and sound hardware without the actual program knowing what brand of hardware is installed.

Docking Station

An extra piece of hardware used with laptops and notebook computers which enables additional devices to be used by a laptop or notebook when connected to the station, such as an external monitor or extra hard disk drive.

Domain Name

A name representation for a computer's IP Address on the Internet. A good analogy would be a person's name in a phone book, for example www.microsoft.com

Domain Name Server (DNS)

A system that collates all Domain Names and associates it with their numerical addresses. A good analogy would be the directory of telephone numbers and people's names.

Download

A way of obtaining files from another computer.

DSTN

Dual Scan Twisted Nemonic. A type of screen used in notebook and laptop computers. Not as good as TFT.

DVD

Digital Versatile Disc. Also known as Digital Video Disc. A new technology which allows much more information to be stored on a disc which resembles a PC. The capacity is so great that entire films can be stored on one side of a DVD, with extra scenes and subtitles etc. etc.