• Jargon Buster
• Index A
• Index B
• Index C
• Index D
• Index E
• Index F
• Index G
• Index H
• Index I
• Index J
• Index K
• Index L
• Index M
• Index N
• Index O
• Index P
• Index Q
• Index R
• Index S
• Index T
• Index U
• Index V
• Index W
• Index X
• Index Y
• Index Z

ARC iT Solutions - Jargon Buster - D

Our A-Z will help you understand the IT terms that are now being used every day in the modern day world

The Jargon Buster explains technical and computing terms with which you might not be familiar.

Database - a program that stores information in tables. This allows you to search, sort and use it in many different ways.

Data Protection Act - law that protects personal information stored electronically and on paper. It gives you the right to see data held about you and prevent it being passed on without your permission.

Digital Cameras - camera that takes photographs and stores them on disks or smart cards rather than on film. The photos can then downloaded onto a computer where the images can be printed, put on a web page or e-mailed.

DOS - Disk Operating System. What PCs used before Windows. It is a non-graphical system where a menu or typed commands are used to give commands.

Driver - software which runs hardware attached to your computer like a modem, printer or scanner. New hardware normally comes with a CD containing the necessary drivers to install on your computer.

Dial-Up - internet connection using a phone line. You have to dial a number (using your computer) and usually give a password before you can gain access to the internet, e-mail, etc.

Directory - a folder where a computer stores other files and information. Keeping files on the same topic together in the same directory is a good way to keep track of your files.

DNS - the system that changes a website address (e.g. www.bbc.co.uk) into a numbered IP address (e.g. 38.160.150.31).

Domain name - websites have a domain name so they can be found easily (e.g. www.bbc.co.uk). The domain name is the part before the forward slash.

Downstream - This refers to the flow of data from a specific location to your PC.

Drag and drop - clicking on an icon or selection, holding the mouse button down and moving the mouse to 'drag' the selection to a new location. When the mouse button is released the item is 'dropped'.

DSL modem - This is a piece of hardware required to get a high speed broadband service, it can give speeds up to 512Kbps downstream and 256Kbps upstream.

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