Binary Coding Knowing your Bits Bytes Binary Coding

Binary Coding Knowing your Bits & Bytes

Binary Coding • Fundamental component of all computers without which they will NOT work: • Electricity

Binary Coding • Electricity is in either one of two states • ON or OFF • Because electricity is in one of two states it can be represented by two numbers: • 0 or 1 • These two numbers are referred to as: • Binary Numbers

Binary Coding • • Electricity turned ON is represented by the number 1 On = 1 Electricity turned OFF is represented b y the number 0 OFF = 0

Binary Coding • Therefore, one vacuum tube can be used to represent one binary number, either 1 or 0 • However, rather than saying “vacuum tubes” we say …. • BITS • Therefore, 1 vacuum tube = 1 binary digit = 1 bit

Computer Languages “What did you say? ”

Computer Languages • Programmers assigned a series of bits (vacuum tubes) to each letter of the alphabet so as to create a “computer language” • Example: letter “A” being remembered by the computer takes eight bits. Insert the correct 1 -0, On-Off combination Binary 1 0 0 0 1

Computer Languages • • How many bits would it take for the computer to remember? WALDO 5 letters multiplied by 8 bits per letter = 40 bits Your name: ?

Computer Memory “Did you say something”

Computer Memory • Computers have many different types of memory used in many different components • Examples: hard drive, ROM, CD’s, memory sticks… • Memory refers to how many bits of information can be stored • (how many light bulbs are turned off or on)

Computer Memory EQUALS 1 binary digit Bit 4 binary digits (4 bits) Nibble 8 bits Byte (represents 1 character) 1 thousand bytes Kilobyte 1 million bytes Megabyte 1 billion bytes Gigabyte 1 trillion bytes Terabyte