| author(s) : | renaissance |
|---|---|
| written : | Nov 2007 |
| revised : | ... |
| category : | networking |
|---|---|
| version : | |
| topic : | calculations |
| author(s) : | renaissance |
|---|---|
| written : | Nov 2007 |
| revised : | ... |
Humans have 10 fingers that's why we use a number system with the base 10 in ordinary life. Computers don't have any fingers they only know how to switch things On and Off. That's 2 possible combinations and that's why they use a number system with the base 2 when processing data.
The computers condition ON or OFF, 1 or 0. Represents 1 bit with 2 possible combinations. When we put together 3 bits e.g. (101) also known as an octal can have a range of (0-7) you calculate the maximum range by adding all 3 bits together when they're all activated.
[ 111 = ( 4 + 2 + 1 = 7 ) ]
4 bits together e.g. (0110) is known as a nibble have a range of (0-15). When all the bits are activated you get the max range.
[ 1111 = ( 8 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 15 ) ]
8 bits together e.g. (1101 0010) also known as a byte have a range of (0-255). When all the bits are activated you get the max range. It's usually incorrect to represent 8 bits by separating it into 2 groups like I have done. But I do it at this stage for easier reading and accurate calculations.
[ 1111 1111 = ( 128 + 64 + 32 + 16 + 8 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 255 ) ]