- daemon - A harmless
UNIX program that waits in the background and runs when a
request is made on the port that it is watching. It
normally works out of sight of the user. On the Internet,
it is most likely encountered only when e-mail is not
delivered to the recipient. You'll receive your original
message plus a message from a "mailer daemon."
- database - Orderly
collection of information in a computer file or files,
which can be manipulated and displayed in useful ways by
a DBMS (DataBase Management System).
- decode - Process of
converting encoded data to its original form
- decrypt - To
convert the encrypted information like password or credit
card number into the original value.
- dedicated line - A
telephone line that lets you have permanent connection to
Internet.
- dial-up account - The
type of internet connection that is established only when
the modem is connected, as distinct from a direct
permanent connection. Most users have this type of an
account where the internet service provider's number is
dialled for connection to internet.
- dial-up connection
- See dial-up account
- digital signature
- A security technique that involves the
attachment of a code to a software component that
identifies the vendor. The user is thus assured of safety
of use.
- direct connection
- In the context of internet, a hard-wired
connection between the computer and the internet, giving
the computer an IP address and the ability to function as
a web site. By contrast, a dial-up connection is made
only when needed.
- directory - Logical
division of the computer storage so as to group files in
a sensible way.
- dithering - In a
computer image, juxtaposition of two or more differently
colored pixels so as to create the impression of a color
that cannot be directly created because of pallette
limitation.
- DNS - (Domain Name
Server) Software that converts the domain names to IP
addresses and searches for them.
- document - When
used in reference to the World Wide Web, a document is
any file containing text, media or hyperlinks that can be
transferred from an HTTP server to a client program.
- domain name - The
address or URL of a web site. It is the text you see
after the 'www' in a web address. For example, the domain
name of this site is geocities.com. An organization
InterNIC registers domain names so as not to cause
duplications. They of course charge a small fee for this.
They, however, do not maintain or manage internet. In
fact, no one does. See 'Internet'.
- down - When the
server you are trying to connect does not respond, this
is what you say (depends on your mood, though.)
- download - To get
the data from another computer or server. This is
normally done using FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
- dpi - dots per inch. -
Unit of measurement for screen or print resolution
- drag-and-drop - Mouse
operation of clicking on an object and dragging it to
another place on the screen. When the mouse is released
the object is dropped to the other place.
- DTD - (Document Type
Definition) A specification for a markup language such as
HTML.
- dumb terminal - A
keyboard and screen or keyboard and printer that convey
data generated by the user's keystrokes directly to a
computer or network without buffering or otherwise acting
upon the data. Data from the computer to the user are
also not processed in any fashion other than to transfer
to the display device.