Dell Dimension 3100C - Manual (Page 123)

Glossary 123
DISK STRIPING — A technique for spreading data over
multiple disk drives. Disk striping can speed up operations
that retrieve data from disk storage. Computers that use
disk striping generally allow the user to select the data
unit size or stripe width.
DMA — direct memory access — A channel that allows
certain types of data transfer between RAM and a device
to bypass the processor.
DOCKING DEVICE — See APR.
DMTF — Distributed Management Task Force — A
consortium of hardware and software companies who
develop management standards for distributed desktop,
network, enterprise, and Internet environments.
DOMAIN — A group of computers, programs, and
devices on a network that are administered as a unit with
common rules and procedures for use by a specific group
of users. A user logs on to the domain to gain access to the
resources.
DRAM — dynamic random-access memory — Memory
that stores information in integrated circuits containing
capacitors.
DRIVER — Software that allows the operating system to
control a device such as a printer. Many devices do not
work properly if the correct driver is not installed in the
computer.
DSL — Digital Subscriber Line — A technology that
provides a constant, high-speed Internet connection
through an analog telephone line.
DUAL DISPLAY MODE — A display setting that allows
you to use a second monitor as an extension of your
display. Also referred to as extended display mode.
DVD — digital versatile disc — A disc usually used to
store movies. DVDs are double-sided, whereas CDs are
single-sided. DVD drives read most CD media as well.
DVD
DRIVE — A drive that uses optical technology to
read data from DVDs and CDs.
DVD
PLAYER — The software used to watch DVD
movies. The DVD player displays a window with buttons
that you use to watch a movie.
DVD+RW — DVD rewritable — A rewritable version
of a DVD. Data can be written to a DVD+RW disc, and
then erased and written over (rewritten). (DVD+RW
technology is different from DVD-RW technology.)
DVD+RW
DRIVE — A drive that can read DVDs and
most CD media and write to DVD+RW (rewritable
DVDs) discs.
DVI — digital video interface — A standard for digital
transmission between a computer and a digital video
display; the DVI adapter works through the computer’s
integrated graphics.
E
ECC — error checking and correction — A type of
memory that includes special circuitry for testing the
accuracy of data as it passes in and out of memory.
ECP — extended capabilities port — A parallel
connector design that provides improved bidirectional
data transmission. Similar to EPP, ECP uses direct
memory access to transfer data and often improves
performance.
EIDE — enhanced integrated device electronics — An
improved version of the IDE interface for hard drives and
CD drives.
EMI — electromagnetic interference — Electrical
interference caused by electromagnetic radiation.
ENERGY STAR ® — Environmental Protection
Agency requirements that decrease the overall
consumption of electricity.
EPP — enhanced parallel port — A parallel connector
design that provides bidirectional data transmission.
ESD — electrostatic discharge — A rapid discharge of
static electricity. ESD can damage integrated circuits
found in computer and communications equipment.
EXPANSION CARD — A circuit board that installs in an
expansion slot on the system board in some computers,
expanding the capabilities of the computer. Examples
include video, modem, and sound cards.
EXPANSION SLOT — A connector on the system board
(in some computers) where you insert an expansion card,
connecting it to the system bus.