Free42 3.1.11

Free42 – it is a portable, lightweight and convenient emulator that transfers all the computational functions of the HP-42S calculator directly to the interface of your Windows PC.

The program is a complete rework of the scientific calculator produced from 1988 to 1995 by Hewlett-Packard, and with precision and perfection transfers all the functions of this machine for unlimited use in the interface of your computer.

When downloading and unpacking, you will notice that there are two calculators in the folder: “Free42Decimal” “Free42Binary”. The only difference between them is the way of in-internal representation of numbers.

• “Decimal” uses the Intel Decimal Floating-Point Math Library; it uses the IEEE-754-2008 decimal floating point of quad, which consumes 16 by the number and gives 34 decimal accuracy discharges, with exponents ranging from -6143 to +6144.
• “Dyacty”, on the other hand, uses a computer FPU; it presents numbers as IEEE-754 double precision with a binary compatible floating point, which consumes 8 by a number and gives an effective accuracy of almost 16 decimal digits, with exhibiters in the range from -308 to +308.

The advantage of the binally version is that it is much faster than the decimal; in addition, it uses less memory. However, numbers such as 0.1 (one tenth) cannot be accurately represented in binally, as they are repetitive fractions. Therefore, this inability can lead to a failure of some HP-42S programs.

So, if you understand the problems associated with a binary floating comma and don’t depend on outdated software that may depend on the accuracy of the decimal fractions, you can use Free42 Binary and enjoy its advantage in speed. On the other hand, if you need full compatibility with HP-42S, you should use Free42 Decimal.

Size: 3 MB
OS: Windows 7+
Download Free42 3.1.11 Free