- Darwin
Core operating system in Mac OS X. It is an open-source operating system (XNU) built on the Mach 3.0 kernel.
- data fork
- See [file fork]
- DAT files
Virus definition files used by virus protection software. They contain information about virus threats and their cures, and must be kept up-to-date.
- Desktop folder
User-specific location for items on the user's desktop. Found in the file system at ~/Users/Username/Desktop.
- DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
A method for acquiring an IP address in which a range of unique addresses are assigned to computers.
- directory (file system)
- See [folder]
- directory (service)
A database that keeps track of the resources available to the users of that database. Common directories are LDAP, Open Directory, and Active Directory.
- discovery
The method by which an application finds computers and services on a network. Bonjour is a method of automatic service discovery used by many programs, such as the Finder and iChat. AppleTalk is still used in some environments for printer discovery.
- disk image
In Mac OS X, a disk image is a file that works like a drive volume. When opened, it mounts in /Volumes and appears on the desktop. Disk images can be compressed, encrypted, and resized.
- DNS (Domain Name System)
DNS servers are host machines that can translate domain names into IP addresses.
- Dock
Tool in the Mac OS X Finder that allows users to quickly access and open applications, documents, and other frequently used items.
- driver
A program that enables a user to access and interact with a hardware device.
- DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
A high-speed connection to an Internet service provider using the same wires as a regular telephone line.
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