NonStop System Glossary

process snapshot file
1. A file containing dump information needed by the system debugging tool. In UNIX systems,
such files are usually called core files or core dump files.
2. A file containing the state of a running process at a specific moment, regardless of whether the
process terminated abnormally. See also saveabend file.
processor
1. A functional unit of a computer that reads program instructions, moves data between processor
memory and the input/output controllers, and performs arithmetic operations. Because a processor
is composed of several hardware components that reside in different enclosures, it is sometimes
called a logical processor. A processor is sometimes referred to as a central processing unit (CPU),
but NonStop servers have multiple cooperating processors rather than a single CPU.
2. One or more computer chips, typically mounted on a logic board, that are designed to perform
data processing or to manage a particular aspect of computer operations.
processor and memory board (PMB)
A logic board that has lockstepped microprocessors, the main memory system, and the ServerNet
memory interface (SMI) application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) to act as an interface between
the microprocessors and memory and the ServerNet fabrics. This board is part of the processor
multifunction (PMF) customer-replaceable unit (CRU).
processor board
A board that contains the set of processor elements in a NonStop Blade Element.
processor cache
Small, fast memory holding recently accessed data in order to speed up subsequent access to the
same data. Cache memory is built from faster memory chips than main memory. It is most often
used with process or main memory but is also used in network data transfer (to maintain a local
copy of data) and so forth.
processor dump
A copy of the memory of a processor. A dump can be to disk or to tape. See also ServerNet dump
and tape dump.
processor complex
See HP NonStop Blade Complex (NSBC).
processor element
A single microprocessor. A microprocessor can include either one (single-core) or two (dual-core)
execution cores. Each core contains its own memory and is capable of executing a single instruction
stream.
processor enclosure
A NonStop S-series system enclosure containing one group, which includes processors, ServerNet
adapters, disk drives, components related to the ServerNet fabrics, and components related to
electrical power and cooling for the enclosure.
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