Dell OptiPlex GX240 User Manual

Page 278

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D-Sub

See

Subminiature-D

DAT

Digital audio tape. A type of magnetic tape originally designed for audio
format, now also used in computers to back up data. DAT cassettes are about
the physical size of audio cassettes and can store numerous

of data.

Data Striping

The segmentation of logically sequential data, such as a single file, so that
segments can be written to multiple

devices

, usually hard drives, in a round-

robin manner. This method is useful if the

microprocessor

is capable of

transferring data faster than a single drive can supply or accept it. While data
is being transferred from the first drive, the second drive can locate the next
segment.

Decibel(s). A measurement of relative loudness of a sound or, in electronics,
for the relative difference between two power levels.

Direct current. An electric current flowing in one direction only. See

DCE

Data communication equipment. In computer data transmission, DCE is the

RS-232

interface that a modem or other

serial

device uses to exchange data

with the computer. See also

DTE

Device

Any piece of equipment that is not part of the essential computer (such as
the

microprocessor

RAM

, and data

buses

) but is connected to or installed in

the computer. Some devices are installed inside the main part of the
computer, such as the hard drive,

drive, and

network adapter

. Other

devices are outside the computer, such as the printer, but are attached by a
cable or wireless connection.

DIMM

Dual in-line memory module. A slim circuit board containing

RAM

chips, as

does a

SIMM

. DIMMs normally have 168 pins. See also

RIMM