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Why would only port 0 be available on a HP 48GX?

(08-12-2017 12:17 AM)MNH Wrote: [ -> ]Why would only port 0 be available on a HP 48GX?

Do you have ROM cards (or RAM cards with good battery) installed? You don't see them if there is no card installed. Can't help much without more information.

(08-12-2017 12:56 AM)rprosperi Wrote: [ -> ]Do you have ROM cards (or RAM cards with good battery) installed? You don't see them if there is no card installed.

Thanks for replying! I was toying with my coworker's calculator. I suspected an installed ROM or RAM card, but he told me all cards had been removed.

Port 0 is main RAM. You always have port 0. It is necessary in order to install libraries into main RAM. Without it, you would be restricted to installing libraries onto RAM cards in slot 1 (Port 1) and slot 2 (Ports 2 and higher). You can also store other objects in ports, but libraries can only be stored in ports before being attached and hence usable.

(11-20-2021 06:26 AM)Han Wrote: [ -> ]You can also store other objects in ports, but libraries can only be stored in ports before being attached and hence usable.

Is attaching a library similar to restarting a computer to complete a new software installation?

(11-20-2021 02:16 PM)MNH Wrote: [ -> ]

(11-20-2021 06:26 AM)Han Wrote: [ -> ]You can also store other objects in ports, but libraries can only be stored in ports before being attached and hence usable.

Is attaching a library similar to restarting a computer to complete a new software installation?

It's conceptually similar, in the sense that you can't use a program on a PC by simply copying the installer to the hard drive, you have to actually install the program first (which on some occasions does require a restart) and then you can use it. Similarly, after copying a library file to a 48, and stored in main RAM or on the stack, the library features cannot be used until it is attached.

So you can think of attaching a library as being analogous to installing a program on PC/Mac.