Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Manual page 169

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Bit Short for binary digit — either 1 or 0. In computer processing and storage, a
bit is the smallest unit of information handled by a computer and is
represented physically by an element such as a single pulse sent through a
circuit or a small spot on a magnetic disk capable of storing either a 1 or a 0.
Considered singly, bits convey little information a human would consider
meaningful. In groups of eight, however, bits become the familiar bytes used
to represent all types of information, including the letters of the alphabet and
the digits 0 through 9. (Microsoft Encarta '97)
Boot (code) A small amount of software that resides in ROM; therefore, it cannot be
overwritten or erased. Boot code is required for the calculator to manage the
installation of new base code.
Byte A unit of information consisting of 8 bits, the equivalent of a single character,
such as a letter. 8 bits equal {0-255} and there are 256 letters in the
extended ASCII character set. Standard ASCII uses a 7-bit value (0-127),
thus there are 128 characters.
Calculator An electronic serial number that resides in a calculator's Flash memory. It is
serial number used to uniquely identify that calculator.
Character A single letter, digit, or symbol. Q is a character. 4 is a character. % is a
character. 123 and yo are not characters.
Compiled A language that must be compiled before you can run the program.
language Examples include C/C++ and Pascal.
Compiler A compiler translates high-level language source code into machine code.
D-Bus A proprietary communication bus used between calculators, the
Calculator-Based Laboratory (CBL ) System, the Calculator-Based
Ranger (CBR ) and personal computers.
Decimal The standard (base 10) system of counting, as opposed to binary (base 2)
or hexadecimal (base 16).
E-Bus Enhanced D-Bus.
Entry points Callable locations in the base code corresponding to pieces of code that
exhibit some coherent functionality.
Execute To run a program or carry out a command.
Flash-D A PC program that is the integration of a PC downloader application with a
calculator application. When the Flash-D program is executed on the PC,
the calculator application is transferred to the calculator via a
TI-GRAPH LINK cable.
Freeware Programs or databases that an individual may use without payment of
money to the author. Commonly, the author will copyright the work as a way
of legally insisting that no one change it prior to getting approval. Commonly,
the author will issue a license defining the terms under which the
copyrighted program may be used. With freeware, there is no charge for the
license.
TI 83 Plus Developer Guide
Glossary
Third Release May 14, 2002