Dell OptiPlex GX240 User's Guide - Page 278

www.dell.com | support.dell.com D-Sub See Subminiature-D. DAT Digital audio tape. A type of magnetic tape originally designed for audio format, now also used in computers to back up data. DAT cassettes are about the physical size of audio cassettes and can store numerous GB of data. Data Striping The segmentation of logically sequential data, such as a single file, so that segments can be written to multiple devices, usually hard drives, in a roundrobin manner. This method is useful if the microprocessor is capable of transferring data faster than a single drive can supply or accept it. While data is being transferred from the first drive, the second drive can locate the next segment. dB Decibel(s). A measurement of relative loudness of a sound or, in electronics, for the relative difference between two power levels. DC Direct current. An electric current flowing in one direction only. See AC. DCE Data communication equipment. In computer data transmission, DCE is the RS-232 interface that a modem or other serial device uses to exchange data with the computer. See also DTE. Device Any piece of equipment that is not part of the essential computer (such as the microprocessor, RAM, and data buses) but is connected to or installed in the computer. Some devices are installed inside the main part of the computer, such as the hard drive, CD drive, and network adapter. Other devices are outside the computer, such as the printer, but are attached by a cable or wireless connection. DIMM Dual in-line memory module. A slim circuit board containing RAM chips, as does a SIMM. DIMMs normally have 168 pins. See also RIMM. 26