Bits, bytes and words.

• One binary digit- a bit

• groups of bits - bytes and words

  • byte is 8 bits - corresponds grouping of Teletype punched paper tape
  • word size depends on the computer
  • the size of the number used by the CPU
    16 bit words in most PC’s
    
    32 bit words in some PC’s and workstations
    64 or even 128 bit words in large mainframes

So, a byte looks like …

0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0

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