Delete

The process of removing a file from a directory listing. In most cases the data from files that have been deleted still exists until the freed space is reused, but recovery may be difficult if not impossible.
see rm.

Daemon

Under Unix, a daemon is a process that runs in the background, doing automated processing. The FreeBSD Unix OS has it's own rendition.

DCC

Acronym for Direct Client-to-Client, a feature of some IRC client software, allowing users to communicate messages and files directly, bypassing a server. (zajbt)

DCE

Data Communications Equipment refers to serially connected communications devices, particularly modems.
See also DTE.

DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, a system by which IP addresses and other low-level network configuration information can be dynamically assigned each time the system loads, similar to the Internet standard bootp. DHCP is defined in RFC 983.

Dialup

To initiate a connection over a circuit-switched line, either an POTS with a modem or using ISDN.
See also PPP,and SLIP

DIMM Dual Inline Memory Module. A form of memory expansion that consists of a 168-pin plug-in device.
See also SIMM.

Directory

The Unix equivalent of Macintosh or MS-Windows 'folder', all files are stored in directories. A directory can be created with the mkdir command and empty directories are removed with rmdir.

DNS

Acronym for Domain Name Service, the mechanism by which human-readable hierarchial names are translated to IP addresses, and vice-versa.

Domain

An internet 'domain' is a subsection of the internet. The primary domains of the internet are .COM, .INT, .NET, .MIL, and .ORG, which refer to Commercial, International, Network, Military, and Organization. These domains are administered by the Internic. There are also two-letter domains associated with specific countries. Each domain has a primary and secondary Domain Name Server associated with it.

Domain Name Server

Each internet domain has two domain name servers, or DNS. The primary DNS for a domain is usually located on one of the machine in that network, you can often determine the server from the output of the nslookup command.

DOS

Disk Operating System, the basic computer instruction set used to provide an interface to storage and other devices. Also, Denial Of Service, a form of attack in which the goal is to make a computing resource unavailable to legitimate users.
See also OS.

DS0

A single 64-kbps channel, usually one of the 24 channels in a T1 circuit.

DSL

Digital Subscriber Line. A method of providing connectivity at speeds up to 9Mbps using the existing POTS copper wiring.

DSLAM

Digital Subscriber Loop Access Multiplexer. A network device designed to multiplex many individual DSL circuits into a single high speed circuit, generally ATM to an ISP.

DSU

Digital Service Unit, a device used to connect a V.35 serial interface to a digital circuit. Generally any CPE that terminates a digital circuit is referred to as a "CSU/DSU".

DTE

Date Terminal Equipment, communications hardware such as computers, terminals, and similar equipment, as opposed to DCE such as modems.

DVD

Digital Versatile Disk, a high-density mass storage medium similar to CD-ROM, but capable of storing much larger amounts of information due to improvements in recording density and use of multiple layers per side.

DVORAK

An alternative keyboard layout designed for speed. See QWERTY

Dweeb

Deragotory name for a person with limited social and technical skills. Generally a geek wannabe.