AMSTRAD cpc 6128 User Instruction page 447

Base
The prime numeric consideration of any mathematician. The basis of any system
of number representation. The binary systernhas base 2; the decimal system has
base 10, and the hexadecimal system has the base 16.
BASIC
Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. An interpretive programming
language used in almost all home computers. BASIC was specifically designed to
be easy to learn and simple to use since it allows for programs to be 'glued'
together and tested at any point in their development; as opposed to compiled
types where the complete program must be run before any aspect can be properly
tested.
Baud
A bit per second. The unit for measuring the rate at which digital data is
transmitted in serial communication systems.
BCD
Binary Coded Decimal. A coding system for decimal numbers in which each digit
is represented by a group offour binary digits.
BDOS
Basic Disc Operating System. This is the part of the CP/M operating system
which provides an interface for a user program to use the functions ofCP/M.
Benchmark
A standard task that can be given to different computers to compare their speed,
efficiency and accuracy, e.g. calculating the square root of99.999 squared.
Binary
The number system with base 2, in which all numbers are made up from the two
binary digits 0 and 1. (See part 1 of the chapter entitled 'At your leisure .... '.)
Binary number
A number represented in binary notation. Signified in 6128 programming by the
prefix &X. e.g. &X0101
=
(decimal) 5.
Appendix 2 Page 4
Glossary