beautypg.com

Dell Inpsiron 560 (Late 2009) User Manual

Page 342

background image

342

can speed up operations that retrieve data from disk storage. Computers that use disk
striping generally allow the user to select the data unit size or stripe width.

DMA — direct memory access — A channel that allows certain types of data transfer
between RAM and a device to bypass the processor.

DisplayPort — An interface standard of the Video Electronics Standards Association
(VESA) used for digital displays.

DMTF — Distributed Management Task Force — A consortium of hardware and
software companies who develop management standards for distributed desktop,
network, enterprise, and Internet environments.

domain — A group of computers, programs, and devices on a network that are
administered as a unit with common rules and procedures for use by a specific group
of users. A user logs on to the domain to gain access to the resources.

DRAM — dynamic random-access memory — Memory that stores information in
integrated circuits containing capacitors.

driver — Software that allows the operating system to control a device such as a
printer. Many devices do not work properly if the correct driver is not installed in the
computer.

DSL — Digital Subscriber Line — A technology that provides a constant, high-speed
Internet connection through an analog telephone line.

dual-core — A technology in which two physical computational units exist inside a
single processor package, thereby increasing computing efficiency and multi-tasking
ability.

dual display mode — A display setting that allows you to use a second monitor as an
extension of your display. Also referred to as extended display mode.

DVD-R — DVD recordable — A recordable version of a DVD. Data can be recorded
only once onto a DVD-R. Once recorded, the data cannot be erased or written over.

DVD+RW — DVD rewritable — A rewritable version of a DVD. Data can be written
to a DVD+RW disc, and then erased and written over (rewritten). (DVD+RW
technology is different from DVD-RW technology.)

DVD+RW drive — drive that can read DVDs and most CD media and write to
DVD+RW (rewritable DVDs) discs.

DVI — digital video interface — A standard for digital transmission between a
computer and a digital video display.

E

ECC — error checking and correction — A type of memory that includes special