Ch 1: WHY COMPUTERS MATTER TO YOU: BECOMING COMPUTER FLUENT
UNDERSTANDING BITS AND BYTES
Cheat Sheet
A. Bits, Bytes, and Binary Language
1. Byte: A byte is a term used to represent 8 bits of data. One byte can hold about one character, one number, or one symbol.
2. Bit: A bit is short for binary digit. Each bit represents a 1 or a 0.
3. Binary Language: In order to process data, computers use binary language, which consists of just two numbers: 0 and 1. Everything a computer does is broken down into a series of 0s and 1s. Each 0 and 1 is a binary digit, or bit for short. In computers, each letter, number, or special character (such as the @ sign) consists of a unique combination of 8 bits, or 1 byte.

B. Kilobytes, Megabytes, and Gigabytes
1. Kilobyte (KB): Approximately 1,000 bytes.
2. Megabyte (MB): About a million bytes.
3. Gigabyte (GB): About a billion bytes.

C. Computer Processing: Data into Information
1. Computer Processing: Strictly defined, a computer is a data processing device that performs four major functions:
   1. It gathers data (or allows users to input data).
   2. It processes that data into information.
   3. It outputs data or information.
   4. It stores data and information.
2. Data: The representation of a fact or idea. Data can be a number, a word, a picture, or even a recording of sound.
3. Information: Data that has been organized or presented in a meaningful fashion.