How to Install the TI-Nspire CAS OS on the TI-Nspire

CAS devices are a type of graphing calculator used by math students.

The TI-Nspire Computer Algebra System is useful for students learning symbolic algebra and calculus. It can show 3D graphical representations of mathematical formulas and be used to show cause-and-effect scenarios for algebra and calculus hypotheses. The hand-held CAS has enough memory to save work in files that can be transferred to a computer. Install the TI-Nspire CAS OS onto a new TI-NSpire device to format it or onto one that requires an OS upgrade to keep the programming up to date.

Things You'll Need

• TI-Nspire OS installation CD
• USB standard A to Mini B cable
• TI-INspire Computer Software CD

Instructions

1. Install the TI-Nspire OS onto your PC by running the TI-Nspire installer file on the installation CD. Follow the onscreen prompts and select the program save location. When the TI-Nspire is finished installing, double-click on the TI-Nspire icon to start the activation wizard.

2. Select "Activate your License" and click "Next." Enter your contact information when prompted, then your TI-Nspire license number. Read and accept the license agreement and click "Activate." Select "Finish" to close the TI-Nspire installation program.

3. Install the TI-Nspire Computer Link Software by running the TI-Nspire Computer Software CD on your PC.

4. Click on "Connectivity" located in the menu bar at the top of the "Handheld" tab when the TI-Nspire window opens. Select your PC type, which is located near "Download TI-Nspire Computer Link." Enter the appropriate information when prompted by the program.

5. Plug the mini-USB end of the USB cable into the mini-USB port located on the bottom of the TI-Nspire hand-held CAS. Plug the other end of the USB cable into a USB port on your PC.

6. Go to "Start" on your PC. Select "Programs." Click "TI Tools." Select "TI-Nspire Computer Link." Click "TI-Nspire Computer Link." Select the "Applications" folder. Double-click on the TI-NspireLink icon to open the "TI-Nspire Computer Link Software" window. The window will have the computer files on the top half, and the connected TI-Nspire CAS files on the bottom half.

7. Go to "Documents Workspace" located in the TI-Nspire window on your PC to open the "Documents Toolbox" window. Click on the "Tools" icon. Select "Install OS." When the OS is done installing, disconnect the device.

Tips & Warnings

• A TI-Nspire CAS hand-held has 64MB of memory and half of it is used up by the OS. To keep memory space available to save files of student's work, save a backup copy of old documents and folders on the CAS onto your PC, then delete the old documents and folders that are no longer used from the hand-held device.

• Back up all files and folders saved on the TI-Nspire before installing an OS onto the hand-held device, as the installation process will delete all files and folders that are currently saved on it.

References

• Texas Instruments: TI-Nspire CAS with Clickpad
• Texas Instruments: TI-Nspire Computer Software Installation Guide (pages 7-9)
• Texas Instruments: TI Software Installation and Activation Guidebook (pages 11-18, 29-33)
• Texas Instruments: Getting Started with the TI-Nspire Handheld (pages 72, 74-76)
• Texas Instruments: What Steps are Required to Reinstall the TI-Nspire Family Operating System?