CompTIA A+ Acronyms D-F

DB-9 (Serial Communications D-Shell Connector, 9-pin)

a small 9-pin D-subminiature plug mostly used for RS-232 serial communications

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service)

An attack that involves the use of infected Internet-connected computers and devices to disrupt the normal flow of traffic of a server/service by overwhelming the target

DDR (Double Data Rate)

a design method that transfers data on both the rising and falling edges of a clock signal

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

Protocol used to automatically assign IP addressing information to hosts that have not been configured manually

DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module)

a type of computer memory that uses independent pins on both sides of a circuit board to provide a native 64-bit data path

DKIM (domainKeys identified mail)

an email security standard that uses digital signatures and public-key cryptography to verify sender identity and message integrity

DLP (Data Loss Prevention)

a set of tools and rules used to stop the theft, loss, or leakage of sensitive information

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance)

Framework for ensuring proper application of SPF and DKIM, utilizing a policy published as a DNS record.

DNS (Domain Name System)

Service that maps fully qualified domain name labels to IP addresses on most TCP/IP networks, including the Internet.

DoS (Denial of Service)

Any type of physical, application, or network attack that affects the availability of a managed resource.

DRM (Digital Rights Management)

Copyright protection technologies for digital media. DRM solutions usually try to restrict the number of devices allowed for playback of a licensed digital file

DSL (digital subscriber line)

Carrier technology to implement broadband Internet access for subscribers by transferring data over voice-grade telephone lines.

DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

Legacy video interface that supports digital only or digital and analog signaling.

ECC (error-correcting code)

System memory (RAM) with built-in error correction security. It is more expensive than normal memory and requires motherboard support. It is typically only used in servers

EDR (endpoint detection and response)

A software agent that collects system data and logs for analysis by a monitoring system to provide early detection of threats.

EFS (Encrypting File System)

a built-in Microsoft Windows security feature that provides file-level encryption on NTFS drives.

EOL (end of life)

Product life cycle phase where mainstream vendor support is no longer available.

eSATA (External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)

a computer bus interface used to connect hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and optical drives to a computer's motherboard

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge)

the sudden flow of electricity between two objects

eSIM (Embedded SIM)

a digital SIM card built directly into a device's motherboard

EULA (End User License Agreement)

Contract governing the installation and use of software.

exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table)

64-bit version of the FAT file system with support for larger partition and file sizes.

FAT32 (32-Bit File Allocation Table)

32-bit file system used principally for system partitions and removable media.

FaaS (Function as a Service)

a cloud computing service that lets you run single pieces of code—called functions—without managing servers

FRT (Facial Recognition Technology)

Biometric authentication mechanism that uses an infrared camera to verify that the user's face matches a 3D model recorded at enrollment.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

a standard network tool used to send and receive computer files between a client and a server; uses ports 20 and 21.