Glossary–2
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) that a bootstrap program can load into the system
memory and execute.
bootstrap (or boot)
To attempt to load the operating system software from a mass storage
device. An internal program makes the attempt.
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
A compact disc holder, used to inserting a compact disc into a compact
disc drive.
central processing unit (CPU)
The part of the system that controls the interpretation and execution of
instructions.
client system
A computer system, connected to the same local area network as a server
system, that connects to and uses services provided by the server.
coaxial cable
A 2-conductor, concentric, constant impedance transmission cable.
communications line
A cable along which electrical signals are transmitted. Devices or systems
that are connected by a communications line can share information and
resources.
