Apple Express Fax/Modem - Manual (Page 169)

D
data Any type of information, such as numbers, letters, or symbols, that can
be processed by a computer.
database A collection of information organized in a form that can be
accessed and processed by a computer system.
data communications A broad term covering any exchange of information
between computers or similar systems over telephone lines or computer
networks.
data compression The various methods used to save storage space by reducing
or eliminating gaps, redundancies, empty fields, or unnecessary data.
data server program A program that passively awaits an incoming call for
connecting to a server. AppleTalk Remote Access is an example of a data
server program.
data user program A terminal emulation or front-end program that takes
control of the modem and places an outgoing call. Has priority over server
programs.
dB The abbreviation for decibel, the unit of measurement for sound volume.
DCE An abbreviation for Data Communications Equipment. A device like
your modem used to establish and transfer data across a communications link.
decimal The common form of number representation used in everyday life, in
which numbers are expressed in terms of powers of 10, using the ten digits 0
through 9.
default A value, action, or setting that is automatically used by a computer
system when no other explicit information has been given.
demodulate To recover the information being transmitted by a modulated
signal; for example, a conventional radio receiver demodulates an incoming
broadcast signal to convert it into sound emitted by a speaker.
device A piece of equipment connected to a computer. A modem is a device.
dial tone A call progress signal returned by a telephone switching machine to
indicate that it is ready to accept a telephone number.
157 G L O S S A R Y