Transcript Computer Basics Binary Bits & Bytes

Computer Basics
Binary
Bits & Bytes
Answer Key
1. All the information that travels through your computer is based on
two commands, which are on and off. The millions of
combinations of those two commands given in series are what
makes a computer work.
2. The power supply inside your computer sends electricity to all the
components inside the computer to create an “on” signal. The
memory chips inside the computer are divided into thousands of
tiny compartments called bits. Each bit has an electronic switch or
gate. On means the gate is open, which is read as the number 1.
The computer reads off bits as 0.
3. Eight bits are grouped together to form a byte. The binary code
depends on how the 1’s and 0’s within a byte are grouped.
4. Label the diagram to show how a computer converts data into
binary code.
CPU
Keyboard
Monitor
Binary Code
5. What does each abbreviation mean?
KB = kilobyte = about 1,000 bytes
MB = megabyte = about 1,000,000 bytes
GB = gigabyte = about 1,000,000,000 bytes
6. The number that comes before the abbreviations represent a
computer’s memory capacity, or how many bytes of memory it has.
A 15 GB hard drive has 15,000,000,000 bytes for storing memory.
Challenge:
Each rectangle below represents one byte made up of 8
bits. Label the byte using a 1 for each white “on” bit and a
0 for each black “off” bit.
Remember … One byte = 8 bits
The End!