Digital Equipment 300 Series AXP Reference Manual page 275

bit
A binary digit; the smallest unit of information in a binary
system of notation, designated as a 0 or a 1.
boot
Short for bootstrap, meaning to bring a device or system to a
defined state where it can operate on its own.
boot (or bootstrap) device
The memory storage device that holds the software that carries
out a system bootstrap procedure.
boot console device
The device name from which the console boots the operating
system. This name is listed in a
BOOTDEV column. Example: ESA0 indicates the network.
boot flag
An indicator bit, set by the system manager, that contains
information that is read and used by the bootstrap software
during a system bootstrap procedure. Default boot flags should
already be set when you receive your system.
buffer
An internal memory area used for temporary storage of data
records during input or output operations.
bus
A group of signals consisting of transmission lines or
wires to create a common channel or pathway. The bus
interconnects either internal computer system components
to provide communications paths for addresses, data, and
control information or external terminals and systems in a
communications network.
byte
A group of eight contiguous binary digits (bits). Bits are
numbered from right to left, 0 through 7, with bit 0 being the
low-order bit. See also kilobyte and megabyte.
display under the
show device
Glossary–3