@LS:
“Last I checked, the machine addresses memory in bytes, not bits…”
Bytes are made up of bits (8 bits = 1 byte). So, “32 bit address word” is to “4 byte address word” as “1000 grams weight” is to “1 kilogram weight.” Same idea.
I tend to think in bits when looking at address lines because they needn’t be considered a cohesive whole (once they leave the chip, anyway). Different cognitive mapping I suppose. To each his own, right?