DEC MicroVAX 3100 Owner's Manual page 173

binary
A number system that uses two digits: 0 and 1. They are represented in
system circuitry by two voltage levels, and programs are executed in binary
form.
bit
A binary digit; the smallest unit of information in a binary system of nota-
tion, designated as a 0 or a 1.
boot
See bootstrap.
boot device
The device that is booted at system startup. (See bootstrap and device.)
bootable medium
A fixed disk or magnetic tape cartridge containing software (such as an
operating system) a bootstrap program can load into the system memory
and execute.
boot node
The management center for the cluster and its major resource provider.
bootstrap (or boot)
To boot is when an internal program attempts to load the operating system
software from a mass storage device.
BOT
Beginning of tape.
bus
A channel (a set of wires) along which communication signals in a computer
system travel.
byte
A group of eight binary digits (bits). A byte is one-quarter of a VAX system
longword.
caddy
The holder for inserting a compact disc into a compact disc drive.
Glossary-2