pDC

PDC is an acronym that can refer to several different concepts depending on the context. It appears in computing, professional darts, and electrical infrastructure, among other uses.

In computing, PDC commonly stands for Primary Domain Controller. In older Windows NT networks, the PDC was the server responsible for authenticating users and enforcing domain-wide policies. With the rollout of Active Directory, the term remains in use in the form of the PDC Emulator, one of the Flexible Single Master Operations (FSMO) roles. The PDC Emulator handles certain password changes, account lockout processing, and time synchronization within a domain. In modern Active Directory deployments, the role-based model has largely supplanted the old single-PDC paradigm, but the concept remains relevant for understanding domain operation and compatibility.

In the world of professional darts, PDC refers to the Professional Darts Corporation. Founded in 1992 by a group of players after a split from the British Darts Organisation, the PDC organizes major televised events such as the PDC World Darts Championship and the Premier League. The organization is widely regarded as the leading body for professional darts, noted for higher prize money, global participation, and a high level of competition.

In electrical engineering and facilities management, PDC can denote a Power Distribution Center or Power Distribution Cabinet. These are centralized assemblies of switchgear, circuit breakers, and protective devices used to route and control electrical power within a building, data center, or substation.

The intended meaning of PDC depends on the field and context.