User's Manual

252 Glossary
dBA
Abbreviation for adjusted decibel(s).
DC
Abbreviation for direct current.
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
Acronym for dynamic host configuration protocol. A method of configuring a
network in which IP addresses are issued by a server, rather than statically assigned
to each system.
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
in Germany.
A DIN connector is a connector 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 PCs 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 position and an
OFF position.
display adapter
See video adapter.