[StillBored]

Look at object and capability machines.. Back before OS's became so homogeneous there were a _LOT_ of ideas that didn't map to the modern concept of a file. Some of these machines still exist. For example the AS400/iSeries doesn't really differentiate between ram/storage with its object storage, which means its a perfect fit for a modern non-volatile RAM machine. The original PalmOS, had as similar concept.

Of course all the rage the last couple years are key/value stores, which in old terminology one might call KCD (key, count, data) or to rearrange it a bit CKD, aka the technology used for persistent disk storage on IBM mainframes.

This is actually one of the things that has gotten a lot easier on the internet the past few years as book scanners have become more common. There now seems to be an effort to preserve old burroghs/whatever manuals online rather than collecting dust in peoples attics.