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Glossary 359
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DDR SDRAM — double-data-rate SDRAM — A type of SDRAM that doubles the data burst cycle, improving system
performance.
DDR2 SDRAM — double-data-rate 2 SDRAM — A type of DDR SDRAM that uses a 4-bit prefetch and other
architectural changes to boost memory speed to over 400 MHz.
device — Hardware such as a disk drive, printer, or keyboard that is installed in or connected to your computer.
device driver — See driver.
DIMM — dual in-line memory module — A circuit board with memory chips that connects to a memory module on the
system board.
DIN connector — A round, six-pin connector that conforms to DIN (Deutsche Industrie-Norm) standards; it is typically
used to connect PS/2 keyboard or mouse cable connectors.
disk striping — A technique for spreading data over multiple disk drives. Disk striping 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.
docking device — See APR.
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.