Technology / Computers Glossary

Default: Any setting in a device or piece of software that is the assumed setting, as unchanged by the user or other software. The assumed position when no other parameters are defined.

Defragmentation: The process of rearranging disk sectors so files are stored on consecutive sectors in adjacent tracks.

Degauss: To remove magnetism from a device. The term is usually used in reference to color monitors and other display devices that use a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). These devices aim electrons onto the d . . . View Full Definition

Delimiter: A text character that marks the beginning and/or end of a unit of data or separates different data components. For example, periods are used as delimiters in domain names, hyphens and parent . . . View Full Definition

Demodulation: This is a process used by some phone companies that convert an analog signal in to digital signal for use by computer systems.

Desk Top Publishing (DTP): A PC Term that describes a program that enables you to design, create and print a variety of projects such as letterheads, birthday cards, calendars, business cards, invitations etc. that wo . . . View Full Definition

Desktop: Once an operating system finishes loading and you are able to see the graphical background and program icons, this is said to be your 'desktop'. The electronic desktop is a metaphor for the . . . View Full Definition

Desktop Window Manager (DWM): This new visual style (Aero Glass) and look in Windows Vista is powered by Windows Vista's Desktop Window Manager. A video card supporting the Longhorn Display Driver Model (LDDM) system is . . . View Full Definition

Device Driver: A program that resides in memory and is loaded to control a device. Most devices like sound cards, graphics cards, and often printers, require device drivers to help the computer operate the . . . View Full Definition

Diagnostics: Programs used to check the operating levels of a computer system and determine if and where there are any problems.

Dial-Up Line: This is a telephone line that is connected to a server. When it is called, tones are exchanged between the server and the devise calling in order to attach.

Dial-Up Networking: This is a feature that was used by the Windows 95, 98 and Unix operating systems. It allows for the connection of other computer systems over the Internet using a phone line connected to a modem.

Digital: A system that defines data in a discrete, non-fluctuating (i.e., non-analogue), numerical method. Similar to a binary system.

Digital Light Processing (DLP): A video projection technology that uses hundreds of thousands of rotating mirrors to project high quality, high definition images. DLP was originally developed by Texas Instruments.

Digital Signal Processor (DSP): DSP is a technology that is commonly used in devices such as sound cards, fax machines, cellular phones, modems, high-capacity hard disk drives and televisions. DSP chips process large amoun . . . View Full Definition

Digital Video Disc (DVD): Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc. This popular technology was first introduced in 1996. Its ability to store large amounts of information reliably made this a very common optical . . . View Full Definition

Digital Video Interactive (DVI): A standard that integrates digital motion, still video, sound, graphics, and special effects in a compressed format. It is a highly sophisticated hardware compression technique used in many . . . View Full Definition

Direct Current (DC): The type of electricity produced from a transforming device, such as the power supply in a computer, that electronics rely on.

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