Technology

Data center: functions, components, history, and uses Data center An accessible overview of data centers: definition, core systems (servers, networking, power, cooling), evolution, typical uses, and operational and environmental considerations.

Data compression: principles, methods, and applications Data compression Data compression reduces the size of digital information for storage and transmission. This article explains types, common algorithms, history, uses, and trade-offs between size, s…

Data corruption: causes, detection, and recovery Data corruption Overview of data corruption: causes, detection methods, and recovery strategies. Learn how hardware faults, software bugs, transmission errors, CRC/ECC, redundancy, backups and bes…

Data Encryption Standard (DES) Data Encryption Standard DES is a symmetric block cipher with a 56-bit key and 64-bit block, widely used in the late 20th century and later superseded by stronger algorithms such as AES.

Data integrity in computing and telecommunications Data integrity Data integrity ensures information remains accurate, complete, and reliable during storage, processing, or transmission, using methods such as checksums, transactional controls, an…

Data loss: causes, prevention, recovery, and impacts Data loss Comprehensive overview of data loss: definitions, common causes, types, prevention strategies (backups, redundancy), recovery methods, and the operational and legal impacts of losi…

Data Matrix (two-dimensional barcode symbology) Data matrix Data Matrix is a compact 2D barcode format that encodes text, numbers or binary data with strong error correction, widely used for small items, industrial marking and logistics tra…

Data migration: concepts, processes, challenges, and best practices Data migration An accessible overview of data migration: what it is, common types, the typical phases and tools, risks and mitigations, and practical best practices for moving or converting data…

Data Mining: Concepts, Methods, and Practical Uses Data mining Overview of data mining (KDD): goals, common techniques, typical applications, workflow stages, and ethical and technical challenges in extracting useful patterns from large datase…

Data Parallelism: concepts, patterns, and applications Data parallelism Data parallelism distributes data across processors so the same operation runs concurrently on different elements; common in GPUs, databases and scientific computing, and distinct…

Data storage device: types, history, and practical uses Data storage device Overview of data storage devices: what they are, how they work, major types (magnetic, optical, solid‑state), historical development, key characteristics and common uses.

Data structure: organization, examples, and practical considerations Data structure Overview of data structures: definitions, common kinds (arrays, lists, trees, hash tables, graphs), operations, complexity, history and guidance for choosing the right structure.

Data type (computer science) Data type Overview of data types: definition, common categories, history, uses, and distinctions such as static vs dynamic typing and primitive vs composite types.

Data validation Data validation ensures input data is correct, meaningful, and safe before software uses it. It includes rules, constraints, and processes applied in interfaces, APIs, databases, a…

Data Vault: enterprise data‑warehouse modeling and secure storage concepts Data vault Overview of Data Vault: the enterprise data‑warehouse modeling method using hubs, links and satellites for auditable, scalable historized data, and the broader meaning as a secure…

Data Vault Modeling: principles, components, and practical use Data vault modeling Data Vault modeling is a data warehouse design approach that preserves source history, captures lineage and audit details, and supports scalable, resilient loading of changing ente…

Database: systems for storing, organizing, and managing data Database An overview of databases: what they are, main models and components, historical development, common uses, key differences (relational vs NoSQL), and operational concerns.

DDR2 SDRAM (Double Data Rate 2) DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 SDRAM: a second-generation double data rate synchronous DRAM standard used in mid-2000s computers, notable for higher transfer rates, lower operating voltage, and distinct com…

Deadlock: Causes, Examples, and Handling in Computing and Systems Deadlock Deadlock is a condition in which two or more actors wait indefinitely for resources held by the other(s), halting progress. It appears across operating systems, databases, networks…

deb (Debian package file format) deb (file format) The .deb binary package format used by Debian and many derivatives. Describes file structure, metadata and tools (dpkg, apt), typical contents, history, and practical usage notes.

Deb Creator — a tool for building Debian .deb packages from source Deb Creator Deb Creator is a program that helps compile software from source and assemble the resulting files into Debian .deb packages, handling metadata, control files, and installation scri…

Debian — a free GNU operating system and Linux distribution Debian Debian is a community-developed, free operating system based on GNU and usable with several kernels. It is known for its package system, stability, and many derivatives such as Ubu…

Debian Package Maker Tool or workflow for building Debian .deb packages from source—covering structure, typical tools, steps, uses, and best practices for creating installable Debian binary packages.

Debugger (software tool) Debugger A debugger is a tool used to run, pause, inspect and modify programs for finding and fixing software faults; this article explains techniques, types, history, uses, and ethical iss…

Debugging in Computer Programming Debugging Debugging is the systematic process of locating, diagnosing, and fixing defects in software. It combines observation, analysis, tools and testing to improve correctness, reliabilit…

Decompression chamber (recompression and hyperbaric therapy) Decompression chamber A pressurized enclosure used to manage pressure-related injuries from diving and to deliver hyperbaric oxygen therapy; supports controlled pressure changes and medically supervised…

Deep learning: concepts, architectures, history and applications Deep learning Overview of deep learning — its principles, major architectures, training practices, history, typical applications and limitations, with links for further reading.

Def Tech (Japanese acoustic–reggae group) Def Tech Def Tech is a Japanese acoustic-reggae group known for bilingual lyrics and mainstream success in the early 2000s; their albums Def Tech and Lokahi Lani sold millions. They paused…

Defense in Depth (computing) Defense in depth is a layered security strategy for IT systems that deploys multiple, diverse controls to reduce risk, slow attackers, and limit the impact of successful breaches.

Defragmentation: organizing files on magnetic and spinning disks Defragmentation Defragmentation is the process of reorganizing scattered pieces of files so they occupy contiguous storage, improving read performance on traditional hard drives and reducing mecha…

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) — overview, history, and research Delft University of Technology TU Delft is the Netherlands' oldest and largest technical university, founded in 1842. It is a leading European centre for engineering, design and applied sciences with a large cam…

Software Demo: Purpose, Types, and Role in Promotion Demo (software) An overview of software demos: what they are, common formats (trial, playable, beta), how they’re used in marketing and development, and notable distinctions like the demo scene.

DeMuDi — Debian Multimedia Distribution DeMuDi DeMuDi was a Debian-based Linux distribution tailored for professional and hobbyist audio, video and multimedia production, originating from the AGNULA EU project and later folded…

Orthodontic braces: types, treatment process, and oral care Dental braces Overview of orthodontic braces: types (metal, ceramic, lingual, clear aligners), treatment steps, expected timelines, and practical oral‑care tips for safe, effective tooth alignme…

Dentures: Removable Dental Prostheses for Tooth Replacement Dentures Overview of dentures: types, materials, history, care, and clinical uses. Covers full and partial prostheses, maintenance advice including overnight removal, and notable historical…

DES-X (DESX): key‑whitening extension to the DES block cipher DES-X DES‑X (or DESX) augments the Data Encryption Standard (DES) with key whitening to raise resistance to brute‑force attacks. It keeps DES as the core cipher while adding simple XOR m…

Desktop publishing: principles, history, and practical use Desktop publishing Desktop publishing (DTP) is designing and producing printed or digital pages with page-layout software on personal computers, combining typography, graphics, and layout for profess…

Device: meanings, types, and uses across technology, rhetoric, and culture Device Comprehensive overview of 'device' covering technical definitions, types (mechanical, electronic, computing), historical notes, examples, and distinctions from related terms like '…

Device controller (hardware interface for I/O devices) Device controller Hardware module that interfaces a computer's CPU and bus to peripheral devices, managing data transfer, signaling, buffering and low-level control for printers, disks, networks, US…

Device driver: software that connects an operating system to hardware Device driver A device driver is software that translates OS requests into hardware-specific commands. This article explains how drivers work, common types, development issues, and their role in…

Dia — open-source diagram editor Dia Dia is a free, open-source diagramming program for creating flowcharts, network maps, circuit schematics and other technical diagrams with extensible shapes and common export forma…

Diagramming software: tools for creating structured visual representations Diagramming software Overview of diagramming software: what it is, common types and features, history, typical uses, file formats, collaboration, and guidance for choosing a tool.

Dial A dial is a marked face or rotary control used to display, select, or adjust values on clocks, instruments and devices. It covers analog faces, control knobs, gauges and historical…

Digital (information representation and systems) Digital Information and systems that use discrete digits—such as binary bits or decimal numerals—to encode, process, store and transmit data; contrasts with analogue representation.

Digital 3D: stereoscopic imaging in film, television and interactive media Digital 3D Digital 3D refers to stereoscopic imaging produced or processed using digital capture, rendering and post-production techniques for film, television, games and displays.

Digital audio: principles, formats, and practical uses Digital audio An accessible overview of digital audio: how sound is converted, common formats (uncompressed, lossless, lossy), key technical ideas, history, and typical uses and devices.

Digital audio player A device that stores and plays recorded sound in digital form, from dedicated MP3 players to smartphones and portable media devices.

Digital Audio Tape Digital Audio Tape (DAT) is a magnetic cassette format for digital sound recording. It was developed in the 1980s, used in studios and backups, and competed with DCC and MiniDisc.