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disk High-capacity storage media, such as
the hard disk inside the computer and the
removable media used in Zip or Jaz drives.
diskette Low-capacity, removable storage
media made of flexible plastic film
encased in a hard plastic shell. Since the
plastic film is flexible, the 3.5-inch diskette
is sometimes referred to as a floppy disk.
diskette drive The drive that reads and
writes to a diskette.
double-click To push down and quickly
release the left mouse button two times in
rapid succession to open an item.
download To receive files from another
computer on the Internet.
drive A device that reads and sometimes
writes to storage media. Examples are the
CD drive, DVD drive, LS Compaq drive,
diskette drive, and hard drive.
driver Software that enables the operating
system to recognise and operate devices
installed in or attached to the computer,
such as a printer. All drives that use
removable media and all peripheral devices
have drivers. You can download updated
drivers from the manufacturer's Web site.
See peripheral device.
drop-down menu A list of options that
drops down when you click a menu on the
menu bar or the down arrow on a dialogue
box.
DSL (digital subscriber line)
A telephone line that carries both voice
and data signals; it allows you to talk on
the phone and surf the Internet at the same
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time. The data part of the line, which is
continuously connected to the Internet,
allows high-speed, high-capacity data
transfer. Your local telephone company
provides the necessary equipment - a DSL
modem, a network interface card, and a
splitter.
DSL modem A modem that connects to
the Internet using digital subscriber line
service through an existing copper
telephone line.
DVD (digital versatile disc) A CD-
sized disc that stores full-length movies,
music videos, and multimedia computer
games with three-dimensional graphics.
Both single-sided and double-sided discs
are available.
encrypt To translate data into a secret
code. You must have access to a secret key
or password to read an encrypted file.
See secure Web site.
Ethernet The most widely-installed local
area network technology. An Ethernet
LAN typically uses coaxial cable or special
upgrades of twisted pair wires. The most
commonly installed Ethernet systems pro-
vide transmission speed up to 10 Mbps are
called 10BASE-T. Devices are connected
to the cable and compete for access using a
Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Colli-
sion Detection protocol.
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