COMPUTER/INTERNET BASICS PROJECT
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COMPUTER/INTERNET BASICS PROJECT |
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All information is stored in a computer in binary code. Each character or symbol consists of a combination of 0's and 1's. For example, the letter "A" is stored as 01000001.
Definition:
A bit is a single Binary digIT, 0 or 1. It is the smallest unit of data that
a computer can process.
Explanation:
A bit gets its name from a combination of two words, Binary and digIT. A bit is either a 0 or a 1. A 0 is like an "off" switch for electronic impulses, and a 1 is like an "on" switch. A computer uses this to process all information. (8 Bits = 1 Byte)
Definition: A kilobyte is a unit of measurement for
memory and disk capacity. One K = 1,024 bytes.
Explanation: The prefix "Kilo" means thousand.
A kilobyte counts thousands of bytes.
Definition:
A megabyte is a unit of measure used to describe memory and disk capacity that
is equal to approximately 1 million bytes or 1,024 kilobytes.
Explanation: The prefix "Mega" means million. A megabyte counts millions of bytes.
Definition:
A gigabyte is a unit used for measuring a computer's memory or disk capacity.
It is equal to approximately one billion bytes or 1,024 megabytes.
Explanation: The prefix "giga"
means billion. Counting gigabytes can tell you how large your hard drive is
by counting billions of bytes.
Comparison Charts:
8 Bits |
= |
1 Byte |
1024 Bytes |
= |
1 Kilobyte (KB) |
1024 Kilobytes |
= |
1 Megabyte (MB) |
1024 Megabytes |
= |
1 Gigabyte (GB) |
1024 Gigabytes |
= |
1 Terabyte (TB) |
1024 Terabytes |
= |
1 Exabyte (EB) |
1 KB = Approximate number of pages of text: 1/2 page
1 MB = Approximate number of pages of text: 500 pages of text
1 GB = Approximate number of pages of text: 500,000 pages of text
1 TB = Approximate number of pages of text:500,000,000 pages of text.
Sources:
http://www.manassas.k12.va.us/round/Technology/Technology2/binarynum.htm
