Every computer has a memory by virtue of which it stores data. All data is in form of numbers. A computer stores a number into a specific location in its memory and later retrieves the value. Most computer memories store data in binary number form. In the binary number system, numbers are represented by sequences of the two binary digits 0 and 1, which are called bits.
In a computer, the two possible values of a bit correspond to the on and off states of the computer's electronic circuitry. The bits are grouped together in the memory in order for them to represent larger values. Eight bits make up a byte and this collection of bits can represent decimal numbers ranging from 0 to 255.
Memory is measured in term of capacity instead of speed. It is expressed in terms of kilobytes, megabytes, and gigabytes. Although the prefixes kilo-, mega-, and giga-, are taken from the metric system, they have a slightly different meaning when applied to computer memories.
In a computer, the two possible values of a bit correspond to the on and off states of the computer's electronic circuitry. The bits are grouped together in the memory in order for them to represent larger values. Eight bits make up a byte and this collection of bits can represent decimal numbers ranging from 0 to 255.
Memory is measured in term of capacity instead of speed. It is expressed in terms of kilobytes, megabytes, and gigabytes. Although the prefixes kilo-, mega-, and giga-, are taken from the metric system, they have a slightly different meaning when applied to computer memories.