rainbow series

from Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)

rainbow series
 n.

   Any of several series of technical manuals distinguished by cover
   color. The original rainbow series was the NCSC security manuals (see
   {Orange Book}). These are now available via the web. the term has also
   been commonly applied to the PostScript reference set. Which books are
   meant by "the rainbow series" unqualified is thus dependent on one's
   local technical culture.

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

rainbow series

   <publication> Any of several series of technical manuals
   distinguished by cover colour.  The original rainbow series
   was the NCSC security manuals (see {Orange Book}, {crayola
   books}); the term has also been commonly applied to the
   PostScript reference set (see {Red Book}, {Green Book}, {Blue
   Book}, {White Book}).  Which books are meant by ""the" rainbow
   series" unqualified is thus dependent on one's local technical
   culture.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (1996-12-03)