Glossary

Welcome to the glossary of technical terms. Browse through the alphabetic list to find the term(s) you’re looking for.

D

Database:

An electronic filing system where a computer can quickly access data. More specifically, the ACD Systems Database contains two partsa cached thumbnail file and an information file. The cached thumbnail file contains small copies (thumbnails) of the images on your system. The information file contains more specific information about the files on your system, such as descriptions, dates, authors, notes, keywords, and categories.

Data Compression:

The process of converting data from one format to another format that is physically smaller in size. The same logical information is stored using less physical information.

Database Date:

A date that you apply to the properties of a file and save in the ACD Systems database.

Data Encryption:

The process of changing data from an intelligible format to an unintelligible, but decryptable, format. .

DCX:

Multipage PCX file format.

Decoder:

A formula that converts encoded data to a raw format.

Dedicated Lines:

Special cables used only for videoconferencing, usually within an office or school.

Default Setting:

A preset parameter in computer programs which will be used unless changed by the operator. .

Descriptions:

Free form text associated with a file. Using certain ACD Systems products such as ACDSee picture viewer you can add descriptions to files. File descriptions are stored in a hidden file called description. One description file is generated for each folder that contains files with descriptions.

Desktop Publishing:

Describes the digital process of combining text with visuals and graphics to create brochures, newsletters, logos, electronic slides and other published work with a computer.

Diffusion Dithering:

A method of dithering that randomly distributes pixels instead of using a set pattern.

Digital:

A system or device in which information is stored or manipulated by on/off impulses, so that each piece of information has an exact or repeatable value (code).

Digital vs. Analog Information:

Digital data are represented by discrete values. Analog information is represented by ranges of values, and is therefore less precise. For example, you get clearer sound from an audio CD (which is digital) than from an audio cassette (which is analog). Computers use digital data.

Digital Camera:

A device that captures an image on a CCD so it can be downloaded to and manipulated by a computer. It might also be called a filmless camera. .

Digital Image:

An image composed of pixels.

Digital Projector:

A device that connects to a computer via cabling to enable the computer monitor display to be enlarged and projected onto a screen.

Digital ScriptsC:

oding commands that turn complex digital imaging tasks into menu options with simple steps. Scripts can be written for capture, post-processing, and application-related tasks.

Digital Zoom:

Allows the user to zoom in on a subject beyond the range provided by the optical zoom lens. Digital zooming crops the center of the digital picture and resizes the new cropped picture to the size of the selected resolution. Because digital zoom removes image imformation it is preferable not to use it when taking photos meant for enlarged printing.

Digitization:

The process of converting analog information into digital format for use by a computer as when scanning a print to make andigital image.

Disc:

Term used to describe optical storage media (video disc, laser disc, compact disc), as opposed to magnetic storage systems.

Disk:

Term used to describe magnetic storage media (floppy disk, diskette, hard disk), as opposed to optical storage systems.

Dithering:

A method for simulating many colors or shades of gray with only a few. A limited number of same-colored pixels located close together is seen as a new color.

Dot Pitch:

Measures the space between the centers of physical pixels on a monitor.

Download:

The transfer of files or other information from one piece of computer equipment to another.

DPI (dots per inch):

A measurement of the resolution of a displayed image. The more dots per inch, the higher the resolution, and therefore quality of the image. For example, 92 DPI means 92 dots horizontally and 92 dots vertically, which equals 8464 dots per square inch.

Drag and Drop:

The process of moving text, graphics or photos to different locations in a document or between applications.

Driver:

A software utility designed to tell a computer how to operate an external device. For instance, to operate a printer or a scanner, a computer will need a specific driver.

Drop-Down Menu:

A Windows function where click on some text opens a larger list with specific options / functions under it.