Quick Reference Guide

Glossary 405
device driver
A program that allows the operating system or some other program to interface
correctly with a peripheral device, such as a printer. Some device drivers—such
as network drivers—must be loaded from the
config.sys file (with a device=
statement) or as memory-resident programs (usually, from the
autoexec.bat file).
Others—such as video drivers—must load when you start the program for which
they were designed.
DHCP
Abbreviation for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, a protocol that provides
a means to dynamically allocate IP addresses to computers on a LAN.
DIMM
Acronym for dual in-line memory module. A small circuit board containing
DRAM chips that connects to the system board.
DIN
Acronym for Deutsche Industrie Norm, which is the standards-setting
organization for Germany. A DIN connector is one that conforms to one of the
many standards defined by DIN. DIN connectors are used widely in personal
computers. For example, the keyboard connector for personal computers is a
DIN connector.
DIP
Acronym for dual in-line package. A circuit board, such as a system board or
expansion card, may contain DIP switches for configuring the circuit board.
DIP switches are always toggle switches, with an on and an off position.
directory
Directories help keep related files organized on a disk in an hierarchical, inverted
tree structure. Each disk has a root directory; for example, a
C:\> prompt normally
indicates that you are at the root directory of hard drive C. Additional directories
that branch off of the root directory are called subdirectories. Subdirectories may
contain additional directories branching off of them.
display adapter
See video adapter.
DKS
Abbreviation for dynamic kernel support.