Glossary-4
desktop publishing – The use of a personal computer with word processing, graphics, or page-layout programs to produce professional-quality documents.
device driver – See driver.
dialog box – A window that is automatically displayed when information must be entered to continue.
dial-up networking – A method of accessing a network through a modem and a standard telephone line. Usually refers to accessing the Internet through an Internet service provider. Contrast dedicated line.
digital – Electrical signals that carry data in the form of bits. Contrast analog.
Digital Creativity Imaging Center (DCIC) – a set of easily accessible connectors situated on the front of select models of Compaq Internet PCs.
digital subscriber line (DSL) – A broadband communication technology that utilizes the bandwidth not used for voice communications on standard telephone lines for data communications. See DSL modem.
digital versatile disc (DVD) – A CD-sized disc capable of storing a maximum of 17 GB of digital audio, video, or data using both sides of the disc. Types of DVDs include the following:
•DVD-ROM (read only memory) – Contains read-only information.
•DVD-R (rewritable) – Information can be recorded to the disc only once using a rewritable DVD drive.
•DVD-RAM (random access memory) – Information can be saved to the disc using a rewritable DVD drive.
•DVD+RW (rewritable) –– Information can be saved to the disc using a recordable DVD drive.
digital video disc – A CD-sized disc capable of storing a maximum of 135 minutes of video, as well as the associated audio and subtitles in 8 different languages. Contrast compact disc, digital versatile disc.
directory – An area on a disk where the names and locations of files are stored.
disc – See compact disc.
diskette –A storage device made of flexible plastic film coated with iron oxide cased in a hard plastic shell. Also known as a 3.5" or floppy diskette. See floppy.
