data file
A file consisting of data in the form of text, numbers or graphics, as distinct from a program file containing commands and instructions. Data files may also be called documents or spreadsheets.
data format
The arrangement of data within a document file that typically permits the document to be opened or edited by a certain application. Many applications can store files in more generic formats, such as plain ASCII text.
date window
A 100-year range that generally spans two centuries, specified with a beginning and ending date (for example, 1928-2027). The beginning date of the window becomes a threshold to which a two-digit year shortcut is compared in order to interpret the century for the date.
For example, if the date window is set to be 1928-2027, the threshold is then "28." A two-digit shortcut less than 28 will be interpreted as 20xx (the later century). A two-digit shortcut greater than or equal to 28 will be interpreted as 19xx (the earlier century). In this example, if a user enters the dates 1/1/26, 1/1/27, 1/1/28 and 1/1/29, a program using this date window would interpret these dates as 1/1/2026, 1/1/2027, 1/1/1928 and 1/1/1929.
desktop computer
A computer that fits on the surface of a business desk. Most personal computers as well as some workstations are considered desktop computers.
device
A generic term for printers, scanners, mice, keyboards, serial ports, video adapters, disk drives and other computer subsystems. Such devices frequently require their own controlling software, called device drivers.
device driver
A software component that permits the computer system to communicate with a device. Many devices, especially video adapters on microcomputers, will not work properlyùif at allùwithout the correct device drivers installed in the system.
disk
A round, flat piece of flexible plastic (floppy disk) or inflexible metal (hard disk) coated with a magnetic material that can be electrically influenced to hold information recorded in digital (binary) form. In microcomputers, a disk is the primary means of storing data on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. Types of disks used with microcomputers include floppy disks, Zip disks (IomegaTM), and hard disks.
document
Any self-contained piece of work created with a software program that is saved and given a unique filename by which it can be retrieved. A document is a data file that has been created by a word processor, spreadsheet program, graphic program, or any other software program. Also called document file or data file.
