AMSTRAD CPC464 User Manual page 200

Assembler
The practical method for programming in machine code, where the machine code instructions are invoked
by mnemonics (letters that suggest the function being performed by the corresponding machine code
routine).
Barcode
Look on the bottom of an soap powder packet to see an example. A computer readable printed code that can
be read by optical techniques such as scanning by a low power laser.
Base
The prime numeric consideration of any mathematician. The basis of any system of number representation.
The binary system has base 2; the decimal system has base 10, and the hexadecimal system has the base
16 - see Appendix II for a fuller explanation.
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 compilers
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
of four binary digits.
Benchmark
A standard task that can be given to different computers to compare their speed, efficiency and accuracy
eg. the square root of 99.999 squared.
Binary
(See Base) The number system with base 2, in which all numbers are made up from the two binary digits 0
and 1.
Binary number
A number represented in binary notation. Signified in the CPC464 programming by the prefix &X. eg
&X0101 (decimal) 5.