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Toshiba NB200 User Manual

Page 126

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User’s Manual

Glossary-6

Glossary

D

data: Information that is factual, measurable or statistical that a computer

can process, store, or retrieve.

data bits: A data communications parameter controlling the number of bits

(binary digits) used to make up a byte. If data bits = 7 the computer

can generate 128 unique characters. If data bits = 8 the computer

can generate 256 unique characters.

DC: Direct Current. Electric current that flows in one direction. This type of

power is usually supplied by batteries.

default: The parameter value automatically selected by the system when

you or the program do not provide instructions. Also called a preset

value.

delete: To remove data from a disk or other data storage device.

Synonymous with erase.

device driver: A program (called a "driver") that permits a computer to

communicate with a device.

dialog box: A window that accepts user input to make system settings or

record other information.

disable: To turn a computer option off. See also enable.
Digital Audio: An audio compression standard that enables high-quality

transmission and real-time playback of sound files.

disk drive: The device that randomly accesses information on a disk and

copies it to the computer memory. It also writes data from memory

to the disk. To accomplish these tasks, the unit physically rotates

the disk at high speed past a read-write head.

disk storage: Storing data on magnetic disk. Data is arranged on

concentric tracks much like a phonograph record.

display: A CRT, LCD, or other image producing device used to view

computer output.

documentation: The set of manuals and/or other instructions written for

the users of a computer system or application. Computer system

documentation typically includes procedural and tutorial

information as well as system functions.

double click: To press and release the pointing device's primary button

rapidly twice without moving the pointing device. In the Linux

operating system, this refers to the pointing device's left button,

unless otherwise stated.

driver: A software program, generally part of the operating system, that

controls a specific piece of hardware (frequently a peripheral

device such as a printer or mouse).

DVD: An individual digital versatile (or video) disc. See also DVD-ROM.