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DIMM
Dual Inline Memory Module. Circuit board with pins connecting to different
memory chips on both sides of the board, which allows for wider and faster data
transfer (128-bit). See SIMMs.
DMA
Direct Memory Access. A method for transferring data, usually between memory
and a disk drive, without going through the CPU.
DMI
Desktop Management Interface. A standard for PCs that allows manipulation of PC
components over a network from a centralized location.
DRAM
Dynamic Random Access Memory. Memory used to store data in most computers.
DRAM is temporary and must be continually refreshed. It is only active when the
computer is turned on.
driver
A software program that enables peripheral devices (for example, printer, monitor,
mouse, CD-ROM drive) to work with computers.
DVD
Digital versatile disc or digital video disc. A type of CD-ROM that holds a
minimum of 4.7 GB, enough for a full-length movie. The DVD specification
supports disks with capacities of from 4.7 GB to 17 GB and access rates of 600
Kbps to 1.3 Mbps. One of the features of DVD drives is that they are backward-
compatible with CD-ROM disks. This means that DVD players can play old CD-
ROMs, CD-I disks, and video CDs, as well as new DVD-ROMs. Newer DVD
players can also read CD-R disks. DVD uses MPEG-2 to compress video data. See
MPEG.
E
ECC memory
Error Checking and Correcting memory. Advanced type of memory that can find
and correct certain types of single-bit memory errors, providing greater data
integrity. Advanced ECC can correct some double-bit errors.
ECP
Extended Capabilities Port. A parallel-port standard for PCs that supports
bidirectional communication between the PC and attached devices (such as a
printer). ECP is about 10 times faster than the older Centronics standard. Another
modern parallel port for PCs that offers similar performance is the EPP (Enhanced
Parallel Port).
EDO memory
Extended Data Out memory. A faster type of asynchronous computer memory that
holds its last-requested data in a cache after releasing it. EDO memory is designed
for use with the Intel Pentium and Pentium II processors.
Glossary 7
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