A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Data processing	vi A general term for any work done on a computer, especially work done by the computer. Often applies especially to database work, as distinguished from desktop publishing, word processing, programming, or spreadsheet calculation.
Desktop	The main working area on the screen when running Windows. Contains icons and windows.
Device	n Any identifiable subsystem of a computer. Identifiable to the computer. Drives, video circuitry, printers, the keyboard, the mouse, and ports are devices.
Device driver	n Software that enables a computer to communicate with a specific device, especially a peripheral.
Digital	adj Operating in discrete units or steps. Not continuous. Since microcomputers operate using discrete voltages and timing pulses, they are said to be digital. Usually contrasted with analog.
Direct3D	A DirectX API used specifically for 3D graphics. Direct3D is being heavily promoted by Microsoft as an important enabling API for games and other 3D applications. Direct3D will be optimized for AMD-3D Technology.
directory	n A list of the files in a disk or logical division of a disk. Also The logical division itself.
DirectX	A Microsoft Windows API focused on multimedia content development. In Microsoft's words, it "provides the first complete set of tools that enable developers to access the cross-platform flexibility of the Internet and the powerful multimedia capabilities of the personal computer."
disk	n A random access data storage medium that uses disks of mylar or aluminum coated with a material that can be magnetized. See "floppy disk" and "hard disk drive."
disk drive	The mechanism that spins, writes data to, and reads data from a disk.
diskette	See floppy disk. It's redundant to say floppy diskette.
display	1: The monitor screen. 2: The images that appear on the screen.
display adapter, -board, -card, -controller	See video controller.
domain	A group of computers whose names share the same suffix or "domain name". e.g. ".com" (commercial), ".org" (organization), ".gov" (government), ".mil" (military), ".edu" (educational institution), ".net" (network operations). There are also two letter domain names for individual countries, such as ".us" (United States), and ".uk" (United Kingdom).
DOS	Disk Operating System. See operating system.
DOS prompt	An indicator on the display that indicates that MS-DOS is ready to receive a command. The default prompt is the current drive letter followed by a greater-than sign (>): C:> Most AUTOEXEC.BAT files include a PROMPT command (prompt=$p$g) that modifies the DOS prompt to display the current directory, too.
dot-matrix	A type of printer that prints by driving a set of pins onto an inked ribbon, pressing small portions of the ribbon against the paper so dots of ink appear on the paper. The dots are close together and appear to be letters or graphic shapes.
download	To copy a file from a storage device (especially another computer) into your computer, or to send something from a computer to a printer.
dpi	Dots Per Inch. A measure of resolution. A high resolution monitor has about 95dpi resolution; a typical laser printer has about 300dpi. The human eye can see at about 1200dpi.
DRAM	(dee-ram) Dynamic Random Access Memory. RAM that requires external refresh circuitry and a minimum clock speed to retain its state. If dynamic RAM loses power, all its little capacitors discharge and it forgets everything. Compare SRAM.
drive	See disk drive.
drive array	Two or more hard disk drives used to store data simultaneously in order to enhance speed and reliability.
driver	A software routine that controls or regulates a hardware device.