Core Computer


	Core_Computer Studies : Bytes what are they?
Its not as confusing as you might think once you understand the order of how file sizes are configured. BITS: As you may or may not know, computers are based on what is known as the binary numbering system. The binary system contains two unique numbers which are 0 and 1. Computers run on electronic pulses which act as switches Ð turning the units of information on or off. Each one of these pulses or pieces of binary code is called a 'bit'. BYTES Bits work together to make simple commands which in turn form complex commands. A byte consists of 8 bits of information or 2 to the 4th power (two because there's two commands). A byte is capable of holding one character. KILOBYTES A kilobyte contains 1,024 bytes of information. 'Kilo' in decimal systems stands for 1,000 but in binary, a kilobyte contains a little more. Because of this, a kilobyte or a 'k' or a 'kb' is frequently referred to as 1,000 bytes. If you want to be really exact in your measurements, I've heard that a capital K is used to indicate a binary kilo (1,024) and a lower case k is used to indicate a traditional kilo (1,000). If on a floppy disk you have 720k of information, then it contains 720,000 bytes or characters. MEGABYTE A megabyte is the next step up from a kilobyte. A megabyte (frequently abbreviated as 'mb') contains 1,048,576 bytes (2 to the 20th power). You could also look at it as containing 1,024 kilobytes. GIGABYTE A gigabyte contains 1,073,741,824 bytes (2 to the 30th power). A gigabyte contains 1,024 megabytes. This list might seem a little more clear and to the point: A byte is equal to 8 bits or one character. A kilobyte is equal to 1,024 bytes or characters. A megabyte is equal to 1,024 kilobytes. A gigabyte is equal to 1,024 megabytes. These notes are written for students who undertake the Core Computer course at School of Art, Australian National University. Students of the course should feel free to contact any member of staff with comments questions and general suggestions.. < Home Index > < Staff Contact > < Class groups > < Assessment > < Basics Module > < Photoshop 1 Module> < Photoshop 2 Module> < Illustrator Module > <3D Module > < Web Design Module > < Terms and Jargon > < Online Resources >