Unused 8051 pin gets assignment

In an 8051-based system without external program memory, the program-store enable (PSEN) pin is useless. However, you can indirectly control this pin using software. To do so, you execute the move-constant- (MOVC-) instruction-implementing table look-up. By accessing locations in external program memory (which is actually nonexistent), you can produce pulses on the PSEN line without disturbing program flow. Although you need a register for storing output data, you don’t have to install a decoder.
source:http://edn.com/archives/1996/010496/01di7.htm

A serial to parallel converter using the AT89C2051

The example program included with the PG2051 evaluation kit is a basic serial to parallel converter written in 8051 assembler. This is probably a good example of the uses to which an AT89C2051 can be put - it would be hard to get a serial to parallel converter much simpler than the single 20 pin IC in this circuit. The program is meant to serve as a useful example of 8051 serial routines and other programming, whether or not you actually need a serial to parallel converter.
Source: http://airborn.com.au/serial/sertopar.html