Compu-pedia: Computer Glossary D

data	Plural of datum, a piece of information. Generally, information of any type, but especially any information in a computer.
data processing	A general term for any work done on a computer, especially work done by the computer. Often applies especially to database work, as distinguished from desktop publishing, word processing, programming, or spreadsheet calculation.
default	The option that the software or system chooses when you don't indicate a choice yourself. For example, Windows uses a default set of colors unless you choose other colors in the Desktop control panel.
desktop	The main working area on the screen when running Windows. Contains icons and windows. See GUI.
device	Any identifiable subsystem of a computer. Identifiable to the computer. Drives, video circuitry, printers, the keyboard, the mouse, and ports are devices.
DIR	The DOS command to list filenames. This command accepts several switches and parameters. For example, dir/w lists filenames in five columns across the screen. Type "help dir" at a DOS prompt to see a list of the switches and parameters.
directory	A list of the files in a disk or logical division of a disk. Also The logical division itself.
disc	A compact disc, or CD. Note the spelling.
disk	A random access data storage medium that uses disks of mylar or aluminum coated with a material that can be magnetized. See "floppy disk" and "hard disk drive."
disk drive	The mechanism that spins, writes data to, and reads data from a disk.
diskette	Another word for floppy disk. It's redundant to say floppy diskette.
display	The monitor screen. Also what shows on the screen.
DOS	Disk Operating System. See operating system.
DOS prompt	An indicator on the display that indicates that MS-DOS is ready to receive a command. The default prompt is the current drive letter followed by a greater-than sign (>). C:> is called 'C prompt', etc.
dot	The period. Called dot in computer-speak because it is easier to say. For example, home.html would be said, "home dot h-t-m-l"
dot-matrix	A type of printer that prints by driving a set of pins onto an inked ribbon, pressing small portions of the ribbon against the paper so dots of ink appear on the paper. The dots are close together and appear to be letters or graphic shapes.
double-click	To press and release the mouse button twice quickly without moving the mouse between clicks.
dot pitch	The amount of space between pixels in a monitor. The lower the number, the higher the monitor quality.
download	To copy a file from a storage device (especially another computer) into your computer, or to send something from a computer to a printer.
dpi	Dots Per Inch. A measure of how many dots of ink there are on one inch of paper or how many dots of color on a computer screen. A high resolution monitor has about 95dpi resolution; a typical laser printer has about 300dpi. The human eye can see at about 1200dpi.
drag	To hold down the mouse button and move the mouse while the button is down. Also the movement of an object on the screen when the mouse is moved this way.
drive letter	The single-letter DOS name that designates a drive. Always followed by a colon.
driver	A software routine that controls or regulates a hardware device.
Desktop Publishing	Producing finished or camera-ready written documents using microcomputer-based page layout software and a high resolution printer. Usually requires a fast computer with a large screen, lots of memory, large storage capacity, and many typefaces.