Settings as they were originally configured by a manufacturer or programmer.
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network.
dialer
A computer program that underhandedly dials a remote computer via a modem incurring long distance charges or toll-line fees.
dictionary spamming
Programs that combine random words and common names in an effort to come up with valid email addresses.
Digital Subscriber Line
A broadband technology offered by telephone companies that connects a computer at high speed to the Internet.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)
An electronic attack perpetrated by a person who controls legions of hijacked computers. On a single command, the computers simultaneously send packets of data across the Internet at a target computer. The attack is designed to overwhelm the target and stop it from functioning.
DNS
See Domain Name Server.
Domain Name Server (or System)
A computer (or series of computers) on the Internet that translates domain names (web addresses) into numerical Internet addresses called IP addresses.
drive-by download
A program that automatically downloads to a computer without the computer owner's consent or knowledge.
dropper
A file that conceals malware such as a virus or Trojan horse in an attempt to evade antivirus programs.
