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Glossary-4 Glossary
desktop
See Windows desktop.
desktop
computer
A personal computer designed to be set up on a desk, as opposed to an easily-
transportable notebook computer. Contrast laptop computer, notebook computer.
desktop
publishing
The use of a personal computer with word processing, graphics, or page-layout
programs to produce professional-quality documents.
device driver
See driver.
dialog box
A window that is displayed when information must be entered to continue.
dial-up
networking
A method of accessing a network through a modem and a standard telephone line.
Usually refers to accessing the Internet through an Internet service provider. Contrast
dedicated line.
digital
Electrical signals that carry data in the form of bits. Contrast analog.
Digital Creativity
Imaging Center
(DCIC)
A set of easily accessible connectors situated on the front of select models of Compaq
Internet PCs.
digital
subscriber line
(DSL)
A broadband communication technology that utilizes the bandwidth not used for
voice communications on standard telephone lines for data communications.
See DSL modem.
digital versatile
disc (DVD)
A CD-sized disc (referred to as a video) capable of storing a maximum of 17 GB of
digital audio, video, or data using both sides of the disc. Also capable of storing a
maximum of 135 minutes of video, as well as the associated audio and subtitles in 8
different languages. Contrast compact disc. Types of DVDs include the following:
❖ DVD-ROM (read only memory) contains read-only information.
❖ DVD-R (rewritable) allows information to be recorded to the disc only once
using a rewritable DVD drive.
❖ DVD-RAM (random access memory) allows information to be saved to the disc
using a rewritable DVD drive.
❖ DVD-RW (rewritable) allows information to be saved to the disc using a
recordable DVD drive.
directory
An area on a disk where the names and locations of files are stored.