Compatibility Guide

140 Glossary

Abbreviation for direct current.

Also, abbreviation for Dual Channel.

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

Abbreviation for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, a protocol that provides

a means to dynamically allocate IP addresses to computers on a LAN.

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 for 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 personal computers 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.