D

daemon

A program or process running on a server that listens to the network for requests for its service.

database

The collection of related pieces of digital information that can be stored and retrieved.

Data Link layer

The bottom layer in the standard Internet Protocol network architecture conceptual model. This is the level at which computers connected to the same physical wire (LAN) communicate with each other.

datagram

The basic unit of network transmissions under TCP/IP. A basic unit of network transmission in connectionless services.

debit card

An ATM bankcard used to purchase goods and services and to obtain cash. A debit card debits the cardholder’s personal deposit account and requires a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for use. Debit cards branded with a bankcard logo (Visa) can be accepted in Internet transactions without a PIN.

decline

A transaction in which the issuing bank will not authorize the transaction.

decryption

The process of reversing encryption; application of a mathematical process to encrypted data to restore it to its cleartext version.

delayed capture

A transaction type that uses the information from an authorization transaction to capture funds. This is the second step in the delayed settlement process and should be used by merchants who do not provide immediate shipment of goods.

delayed settlement

A two-phase process that utilizes an authorization transaction and a delayed capture transaction to process customer orders. This procedure is recommended when the merchant delivers goods or services more than 48 hours after they are ordered.

demand deposit account

A standard checking or savings account into which electronic funds can be transferred.

DES

Data Encryption Standard; a private key encryption standard approved by the U.S. government for the encryption of data when implemented in hardware. Uses 56-bit encryption and is generally accepted as sufficiently secure when correctly implemented.

DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol; a protocol used to automatically configure Internet nodes when they initiate their network connection.

digital account ID

An electronic representation of the MasterCard account relationship with its holder.

digital information

The information typically represented by a series of 0s and 1s. These representations are often generated by a computer system or chip. It is digital information (0s and 1s) that travels along the Internet.

digital signature

The result of the application of a cryptographic process to the digital document being signed. The signer uses his private key (of a public/private key pair) to come up with the signature, which is a sequence of characters. The document can be verified as coming from the signer by using the signer’s public key to verify the document.

discount rate

The amount charged to a merchant by the acquiring bank for processing a transaction. It is usually a percentage of the transaction amount. The rate is typically based on monthly transaction volume (total dollars) and average ticket.

DNS

Domain Name System; a distributed database system implemented across the Internet for the purpose of linking Internet host names (used by people) with Internet Protocol addresses (used by computers).

download

The retrieving of files from a remote computer to your local hard drive.

draft capture

Refers to settlement.