Computing is a fundamental part of modern life, powering everything from smartphones to the

internet, from artificial intelligence to self-driving cars. It involves both hardware and software
working together to process data and solve problems. By understanding the basics of
computing—how computers work, how they communicate, and how we interact with them—you
can unlock the potential to create, innovate, and thrive in fields like web development, data
science, artificial intelligence, and more.

What is Computing?
Computing involves the use of computers to perform a wide variety of tasks, including
processing data, performing calculations, solving problems, and creating applications. It’s a
broad term that refers to both the hardware (physical components of a computer) and software
(programs and operating systems) that allow us to interact with digital devices.

Let’s break down some of the key aspects of computing to provide a deeper understanding.

Core Concepts of Computing

1. Data and Information
a. What is Data?

Data is the raw, unprocessed facts and figures that computers take as
input. It can be anything from numbers, text, images, or sound. Computers don't
inherently understand what this data represents; they simply store and
manipulate it as instructed.

● Examples of Data:
○ Numbers: 123, 456.78
○ Text: "Hello, world!"
○ Images: A photo stored as pixels
○ Sound: Digital audio in MP3 format

b. What is Information?

When data is organized and processed in a meaningful way, it becomes

information. Information is the output that is useful to humans.

● Example:
 ○ Raw data: "90", "85", "78" (These are just numbers).
○ Processed into information: "Average student score is 84.3%"
(This is meaningful information).

In computing, transforming data into information often requires organizing, sorting, or

analyzing the raw data.

2. Binary System
a. Binary Representation

Computers operate using the binary system, a numbering system that uses only
two digits: 0 and 1. This system, also known as base-2, is essential because computers
are made up of billions of tiny switches that can be turned on (1) or off (0).

In binary:

● The value "1" represents a switch that is on (high voltage).

● The value "0" represents a switch that is off (low voltage).

b. Bits and Bytes

● Bit: The smallest unit of data in a computer. It can either be 0 or 1.

● Byte: A group of 8 bits. A byte is used to represent a character (like 'A' or
'B') or a small chunk of data.

Example of Binary Data:

● The number 5 in binary is written as 101.

● The letter "A" in the ASCII character encoding is represented as
01000001 in binary.

c. Why Binary?

Computers use binary because it's easier to implement with electrical circuits. By
using just two states (on/off), circuits are more reliable, especially at the incredibly small
sizes in modern processors.

3. Algorithms
a. What is an Algorithm?
 An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem or
accomplishing a task. In computing, algorithms are used to give instructions to a
computer on how to handle a particular task, such as sorting a list, searching for
information, or calculating mathematical equations.

Algorithms have the following properties:

1. Input: They take one or more inputs.

2. Process: They perform a series of operations on the input(s).
3. Output: They produce an output (solution).

b. Example of an Algorithm

Let’s consider an algorithm for adding two numbers:

1. Start.
2. Input the first number (A).
3. Input the second number (B).
4. Add the two numbers (A + B).
5. Output the result.
6. End.

This simple process is an algorithm, and computers can execute far more
complex algorithms for tasks like facial recognition or navigating a GPS system.

c. Importance of Algorithms in Computing

Algorithms drive the logic behind every action performed by a computer. They
determine how efficiently a task can be completed. For instance, Google’s search
algorithm is designed to quickly scan through billions of web pages to provide the
most relevant results in milliseconds.

4. Programming Languages
a. What are Programming Languages?

A programming language is a formal language comprising instructions that tell

a computer how to perform specific tasks. It acts as a bridge between humans and
machines, as computers only understand binary, but humans use programming
languages to give more understandable instructions.

b. Types of Programming Languages

1. Low-Level Languages:
 ○ Machine Code: This is the binary code that a computer's CPU
understands directly. It consists of 0s and 1s, and it’s extremely
difficult for humans to read or write.
○ Assembly Language: A low-level language that uses
human-readable mnemonics to represent machine instructions.
It’s specific to a computer's architecture.
2. High-Level Languages:
○ High-level languages are more abstract and easier to read/write
for humans. These languages are closer to natural language, and
they need to be translated into machine code using compilers or
interpreters.
○ Examples include:
■ Python: Known for simplicity and readability, popular for
web development, data analysis, and AI.
■ JavaScript: Used primarily for web development.
■ C++: Known for performance and widely used in game
development, systems programming.
■ Java: Popular for building enterprise-scale applications.

c. Why Use High-Level Languages?

High-level languages make programming easier and more efficient. A simple task
that might take hundreds of lines of machine code can be written in just a few lines using
Python or JavaScript. The computer translates these instructions into machine code,
which it can execute.

5. Operating Systems (OS)

a. What is an Operating System?

An Operating System (OS) is the software that manages hardware and software
resources on a computer. It acts as a bridge between the user, the software applications,
and the computer hardware.

b. Functions of an Operating System:

i. Process Management: The OS handles running applications (programs)

and allows multiple applications to run simultaneously (multitasking).
ii. Memory Management: It allocates memory to applications, ensuring that
they run smoothly without interfering with one another.
iii. File Management: The OS allows users to create, delete, and organize
files and folders on the system.
 iv. Device Management: It manages hardware devices like printers,
keyboards, and external drives.
v. User Interface: The OS provides an interface (like Windows' desktop or
macOS's Finder) that allows users to interact with the computer.

c. Common Operating Systems

● Windows: Developed by Microsoft, it’s one of the most widely used

operating systems.
● macOS: Created by Apple for their Mac computers.
● Linux: An open-source OS widely used for servers, programming, and
development tasks.

6. Computer Networks
What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a system of interconnected computers and devices that

communicate and share resources, such as files, printers, or internet access.

b. Types of Networks

1. LAN (Local Area Network): A network that connects computers in a

small area, like a home or office. It’s fast but covers a limited distance.
2. WAN (Wide Area Network): A network that connects computers over
larger geographical distances, often using the internet.
3. The Internet: The largest WAN, it connects billions of devices around the
world and allows them to communicate and share information.

c. Why Are Networks Important?

Networks enable collaboration, resource sharing, and communication across

devices and locations. They allow users to share files, access remote servers, and use
cloud-based applications.

○
7. The Internet and the World Wide Web

The Internet

a. What is the Internet?

The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks. It allows

devices around the world—such as computers, servers, smartphones, and other
 digital devices—to communicate with each other and share resources,
information, and services.

The internet itself is a physical network of millions of smaller networks (LANs,

WANs, etc.), made up of:

● Hardware: Computers, servers, cables, routers, modems, satellites, etc.

● Protocols: Standardized sets of rules that ensure devices can
communicate effectively, regardless of their location or type.

The term internet comes from “interconnected networks.” It connects everything

from personal computers to massive data centers, and it allows access to
services like the World Wide Web, email, file sharing, and streaming media.

b. How Does the Internet Work?

The internet relies on multiple technologies to allow data to travel between

devices:

1. Packets: Information on the internet is broken down into small units

called packets. These packets contain data like text, images, or video,
and are transmitted across the network.
2. Routers: Routers are devices that direct data packets along the best path
to their destination. They ensure packets get to the right place, even if
they come from different sources.
3. IP Address: Every device on the internet has a unique identifier known as
an IP address (Internet Protocol address). It functions like a postal
address, telling routers where to send packets.
○ IPv4: The original IP system, which uses 32-bit addresses (e.g.,
192.168.0.1).
○ IPv6: A newer system using 128-bit addresses, developed to
handle the increasing number of devices.
4. DNS (Domain Name System): The DNS converts human-readable
domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses. This is
necessary because while humans prefer names, computers and routers
use numbers (IP addresses) to route traffic.

c. Key Internet Protocols

The internet operates using a set of protocols, which are standardized rules for
transmitting data. Some of the most important ones include:

1. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): These are

the foundational protocols of the internet. They break data into packets
(TCP) and manage the addressing and routing of packets (IP).
 2. HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol / Secure): These protocols
govern how web pages are transferred over the internet. HTTPS adds a
layer of encryption for security.
3. FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Used for transferring files between
computers on the internet.

d. Internet Services

1. Email: The first widely used internet service. It allows users to send
messages and files via the internet.
2. File Sharing: Services like Dropbox or Google Drive enable users to
share files between devices or people.
3. Streaming: Services like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify allow users to
access video and audio content over the internet.
4. Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are built
on the internet, enabling social interaction online.

The World Wide Web (WWW)

a. What is the World Wide Web?

The World Wide Web (WWW), or simply the web, is a system of

interlinked hypertext documents (web pages) that are accessed through
the internet. These documents are written in languages such as HTML
(Hypertext Markup Language) and are accessed via web browsers (like
Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).

The World Wide Web was invented by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1989, and
it has since transformed how we share and access information. It
operates over the internet but is just one of many services that use the
internet.

b. How Does the Web Work?

The web works using three key technologies:

1. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language):

○ HTML is the language used to create web pages. It structures the
content, such as text, images, links, and forms, making it
accessible via web browsers.
○ When you visit a web page, your browser receives an HTML file
from a web server, interprets it, and displays it in a format you can
interact with.
2. HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol/Secure):
 ○HTTP is the protocol that web browsers use to communicate with
web servers. When you visit a website, your browser sends an
HTTP request to the server, and the server responds with the
requested web page.
○ HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, adding encryption to
ensure data sent between your browser and the server is
protected from eavesdropping and tampering. It's essential for any
website that handles sensitive data like passwords or credit card
information.
3. URLs (Uniform Resource Locators):
○ A URL is the address you type into your browser to access a
specific web page. A URL has several parts:
■ Protocol: This is either http:// or https://.
■ Domain Name: The address of the website (e.g.,
www.example.com).
■ Path: The specific location of the page or file (e.g.,
/about-us).

c. Browsers and Web Servers

1. Web Browser: A web browser is a software application that allows you to

access the web. Examples include:
○ Google Chrome
○ Mozilla Firefox
○ Microsoft Edge
○ Safari
2. Browsers send requests to web servers and then render the content of
web pages for users.
3. Web Server: A web server is a computer that stores websites and serves
their content to users over the internet. When someone types a URL in
their browser, the browser contacts the server where the website is
hosted and retrieves the necessary files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.).

Differences Between the Internet and the World Wide Web

Even though people often use the terms interchangeably, the internet and the World
Wide Web are not the same thing. Here are the main differences:
 Aspect Internet World Wide Web

Definition A global network of interconnected devices A collection of interlinked web pages and
that communicate using standard protocols. resources accessed via the internet.

Invention Originated in the 1960s (ARPANET, etc.) Invented by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in
1989.

Services Provided Email, file sharing, video conferencing, social Access to websites, online documents,
media, streaming, etc. multimedia content.

Core Technologies Routers, IP addresses, TCP/IP, DNS HTML, HTTP/HTTPS, URLs

Usage Enables communication between all devices and services. Specifically used for accessing and
navigating websites.
Scope Includes the web, but also other services like email, Part of the internet, specifically related to
cloud storage, online gaming, etc. websites and web pages.

Web Development

The World Wide Web is not only something we consume—it can also be created and expanded.
That’s where web development comes in.

a. What is Web Development?

Web development is the process of creating, building, and maintaining websites. This field is
divided into two main parts:

1. Frontend Development: This deals with the part of a website that users interact with
directly. Frontend developers work with technologies like:
○ HTML: To structure the content of the web page.
○ CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): To control the design, layout, and visual
elements of the web page.
○ JavaScript: To add interactivity and dynamic features, such as animations, form
validation, or real-time updates.
2. Backend Development: This involves the server-side of a website, including databases,
server logic, and applications. Backend developers work with:
○ Programming languages: Such as Python, PHP, Ruby, or Java.
○ Databases: Such as MySQL or MongoDB.
○ Web servers: Software like Apache or Nginx that handle requests from browsers
and serve web pages.

b. Full Stack Development

A full-stack developer is proficient in both frontend and backend development, capable of

building entire websites or web applications from scratch.

The Role of Search Engines

Search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo are critical tools for navigating the web. They help
users find information by indexing web pages and ranking them based on relevance to search
queries.
 a. How Search Engines Work

1. Crawling: Search engines send automated programs (called bots or spiders) to explore
websites and collect information.
2. Indexing: The collected data is stored in a massive database called the search engine’s
index.
3. Ranking: When a user types a query into a search engine, the engine sorts through the
index to find the most relevant web pages, presenting them in order of importance.
○

8. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

a. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines. It enables

computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as
understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, or making decisions.

b. Machine Learning (ML)

ML is a subset of AI that focuses on creating systems that can learn from data
and improve over time without explicit programming. For example, an ML model could
be trained to recognize handwritten digits by analyzing thousands of examples.

c. Applications of AI/ML:

● Speech Recognition: Siri or Alexa understands your voice commands.

● Image Recognition: Systems like facial recognition or identifying objects in
photos.
● Predictive Analytics: AI systems that predict future trends based on past data,
used in finance, healthcare, etc.

9. Cloud Computing

a. What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services (like storage, databases,

networking, and software) over the internet, allowing users to access these services from
any location without needing to maintain the physical infrastructure themselves.

b. Benefits of Cloud Computing:

1. Scalability: Easily increase or decrease resources as needed.

 2. Cost-Efficiency: Pay for what you use, without needing to invest in expensive
hardware.
3. Accessibility: Access your data and applications from any device with an
internet connection.

Components of a Computer
1. Hardware:
○ CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of the computer that processes
instructions. It performs calculations and carries out tasks.
○ Memory:
■ RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary memory used by the CPU
to store data that is currently being used or processed. It’s fast but
volatile, meaning it’s erased when the computer is turned off.
■ Storage: Permanent memory, like a hard drive or SSD, where data and
programs are stored long-term.
○ Input/Output Devices:
■ Input devices: Keyboard, mouse, microphone—these allow users to
interact with the computer.
■ Output devices: Monitor, printer, speakers—these display or provide
results from the computer.
2. Software:
○ Software can be divided into two categories:
■ System Software: Includes operating systems and utility programs that
help manage the computer (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS).
■ Application Software: Programs that help users perform tasks (e.g., web
browsers like Chrome, office tools like Microsoft Word, and development
tools like Visual Studio Code).

How Computing Powers the Modern World

1. Automation: Computers automate many tasks that would be tedious or impossible for
humans to do manually. From industrial robots assembling cars to automated customer
service systems, automation reduces human error and increases efficiency.
2. Data Processing: Modern computers process vast amounts of data in seconds. For
example, search engines like Google can sift through billions of web pages to find
relevant information in a split second.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is a branch of computing focused on creating systems that
can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence (e.g., speech recognition,
image recognition, decision-making, etc.). AI systems are used in everything from voice
assistants like Siri and Alexa to self-driving cars.
 4. Cloud Computing: Cloud computing allows users to store and access data and
programs over the internet rather than on a local computer. Services like Google Drive or
Dropbox provide access to files from any device connected to the internet. This makes
computing scalable and accessible.
5. Cybersecurity: With the widespread use of computers and networks, security has
become a major focus. Cybersecurity involves protecting computers, networks, and
data from attacks or unauthorized access.

Types of Computers
● Personal Computers (PCs): Used for general-purpose tasks like browsing the web,
writing documents, gaming, etc.
● Servers: Computers that provide services to other computers over a network (e.g., web
servers host websites).
● Supercomputers: Extremely powerful computers used for highly complex calculations
(e.g., weather forecasting, scientific research).
● Embedded Systems: Small computers built into other devices, like cars, appliances, or
medical devices.

Problem Solving and Computing

Computers are essential tools for solving problems in almost every field:

1. Scientific Research: Computers help simulate experiments, analyze massive datasets,

and perform calculations at scales not possible manually.
2. Business: Data analytics tools help businesses make informed decisions by analyzing
market trends, customer behavior, and performance metrics.
3. Entertainment: Movies, video games, and music are all created, edited, and distributed
using computers. Streaming services like Netflix rely on complex algorithms to
recommend content to users.
4. Education: Online courses, virtual classrooms, and educational games use computing
to make learning more accessible and engaging.

Storage in Computers
Storage in a computer refers to any component, device, or system that holds data and files for
use. In simple terms, it’s where your computer saves everything—like photos, music, videos,
applications, and even the system that makes the computer run. There are two main categories
of storage in a computer: primary storage (also called memory) and secondary storage. Let's
break them down.

Types of Storage

1. Primary Storage (Memory)

○ What it is: Primary storage refers to the temporary storage the computer uses
while you're working on something. When you open a document, play a game, or
run any program, your computer uses primary storage to store that information
temporarily.
○ Key Example: RAM (Random Access Memory) is the most common type of
primary storage.
2. How RAM works:
○ Think of RAM like a desk where you keep papers (programs and files) while
you're working on them. When you're done, you either save the work to your
computer’s permanent storage or close the file.
○ RAM is fast, but it's also temporary. When you shut down the computer,
everything in RAM disappears.
3. Why RAM is important:
○ More RAM means the computer can handle more tasks at the same time, making
it faster and more efficient.
○ When your computer slows down while running many programs, it's usually
because your RAM is full.

2. Secondary Storage (Permanent Storage)

○ What it is: This is where the computer permanently stores data, even after it’s
turned off. All your files, programs, and the operating system (like Windows or
macOS) are stored here until you delete them.
○ Key Examples: Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), USB flash
drives, CDs, and cloud storage.

Types of Secondary Storage

1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

○ What it is: The most traditional form of storage used in computers for decades.
○ How it works: It consists of spinning disks (called platters) and a small arm that
reads and writes data. The data is stored magnetically.
○ Characteristics:
 ■ Large capacity (can store hundreds of gigabytes to terabytes).
■ Slower than newer types of storage because of the moving parts.
■ Affordable and great for long-term storage of large files.
2. Solid State Drive (SSD)
○ What it is: A newer, faster type of storage with no moving parts.
○ How it works: SSDs use flash memory to store data, similar to a USB stick, but
much faster and more reliable.
○ Characteristics:
■ Very fast (loads files and programs much quicker than HDD).
■ More expensive per gigabyte compared to HDD.
■ Smaller capacity than HDD for the same price but becoming more
affordable over time.
3. USB Flash Drive (Pen Drive)
○ What it is: A portable, small device that you can plug into a computer’s USB port
to store data.
○ How it works: It uses flash memory like an SSD but is smaller and often used for
temporary storage or transferring files.
○ Characteristics:
■ Portable and easy to carry around.
■ Moderate speed, faster than an HDD but slower than SSD.
■ Often used to transfer files between different computers or backup
important data.
4. Cloud Storage
○ What it is: This is an online storage service where you can save your data on the
internet, rather than on your local computer or device.
○ How it works: Companies like Google, Dropbox, and Microsoft provide servers
(computers in huge data centers) to store your files.
○ Characteristics:
■ You can access your data from anywhere as long as you have an internet
connection.
■ Limited space for free, but you can buy more if needed.
■ Good for backing up files, sharing them with others, and accessing them
across multiple devices (phone, laptop, etc.).

How Storage is Measured

When talking about storage, we measure how much data a device can hold in bytes. Here’s a
breakdown of the most common units:

● 1 byte: Smallest unit of data, typically stores one character (like the letter "A").
● 1 kilobyte (KB): About 1,000 bytes.
● 1 megabyte (MB): About 1,000 kilobytes (or 1 million bytes). A small photo or song
might be 1–5 MB.
 ● 1 gigabyte (GB): About 1,000 megabytes. A high-quality movie might be 2–5 GB.
● 1 terabyte (TB): About 1,000 gigabytes. Many hard drives are 1 or more TB in size
today.

How Storage Works in Practice

When you use your computer, files are stored in secondary storage (like your hard drive or SSD)
until they are needed. Once you open a file (say, a photo or a document), it is moved into
primary storage (RAM) where the CPU can quickly access it to make changes or display it.
When you're done, you save the file, and it goes back into secondary storage for safekeeping.

Storage Summary

● Primary Storage (RAM): Temporary, fast, volatile (data disappears when the computer
turns off).
● Secondary Storage (HDD, SSD, Cloud, USB): Permanent, used for long-term storage,
keeps data even when the computer is turned off.
● HDD vs. SSD: HDD is cheaper and has more capacity, SSD is faster and more reliable.
● Measuring Storage: Data is measured in bytes, with kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB),
gigabytes (GB), and terabytes (TB) being the most common units.

Binary System for Storage

At the core of all computer operations—including storage—is the binary system. To fully
understand how data is stored in a computer, you need to understand what binary is and how it
relates to storage.

What is the Binary System?

The binary system is a numbering system that uses only two digits: 0 and 1. It’s also called a
base-2 system because it only has two possible values (0 or 1) for each place, unlike the
decimal system (base-10), which we use every day and has 10 digits (0 through 9).

In computers, everything is represented using these two digits—0 and 1. These binary digits are
called bits, and they are the fundamental building blocks of all data in a computer.
Why Do Computers Use Binary?

Computers are made up of billions of tiny electronic components that can only understand two
states: on or off. These two states are represented by 1 (on) and 0 (off).

Here’s a breakdown:

● 1 (on): Represents an electrical signal being present.

● 0 (off): Represents the absence of an electrical signal.

Because of this, all data in a computer—whether it's a document, a picture, or a song—is

converted into a sequence of 1s and 0s. This binary data can then be processed and stored by
the computer.

How Binary Relates to Storage

Bits and Bytes

● Bit: The smallest unit of data in a computer, represented by either a 0 or a 1.

● Byte: A group of 8 bits. Since one bit can be either a 0 or 1, a byte can represent 256
different values (2^8 = 256).
Example:
○ The letter "A" is represented in binary as 01000001.
○ A full byte (8 bits) can store this letter.

In modern storage systems, data is usually measured in much larger units than bits or bytes:

● Kilobyte (KB): 1 KB = 1,024 bytes.

● Megabyte (MB): 1 MB = 1,024 KB.
● Gigabyte (GB): 1 GB = 1,024 MB.
● Terabyte (TB): 1 TB = 1,024 GB.

Computers use the binary system to define these units because 1,024 is a power of 2 (2^10 =
1,024).

Storing Data in Binary

When you save something to your computer, such as a photo or a document, the computer
converts that information into binary and then stores it on the storage device (like a hard drive or
SSD).
 ● Text: Every character (like A, B, C, etc.) is converted into a binary code using a system
called ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange). For example, the
letter "A" is 01000001 in binary.
● Images: Images are made up of pixels. Each pixel has a color value, which is also
stored in binary. If an image is black and white, it can be represented with 1s and 0s—1
for black and 0 for white.
● Sound: Sound is recorded as a series of binary values representing the intensity of the
sound at different moments.

How it Works with Storage Devices:

● Hard Drive (HDD): Data is stored magnetically. Tiny areas on the disk surface are
magnetized (representing a 1) or demagnetized (representing a 0).
● Solid State Drive (SSD): SSDs use electronic circuits to store data. Inside an SSD,
electrical charges represent bits: presence of a charge (1) or absence of a charge (0).
● RAM (Random Access Memory): Data is stored as electrical charges in memory
cells—each cell representing a bit (either 1 or 0).

How Binary Stores Different Types of Data

1. Text Storage: Each character you type is converted to binary using a code (like ASCII or
Unicode).
○ Example: The word "Hi" in binary would be stored as:
■ "H" = 01001000
■ "i" = 01101001
■ So "Hi" would be stored as 01001000 01101001.
2. Number Storage: Numbers can also be stored in binary form. For example:
○ The decimal number 5 is represented as 101 in binary.
○ The decimal number 13 is represented as 1101 in binary.
3. Image Storage: An image is broken down into pixels, and each pixel has a color value.
○ In a black-and-white image, 0 might represent white, and 1 might represent
black.
○ For color images, each pixel has a binary code representing its color, often using
the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) system.
4. Audio Storage: Sound is stored as a series of binary values that represent the sound's
amplitude at specific points in time.

Example: Storing a Simple Image

Let’s say you have a black-and-white image that is just 4 pixels in size (2x2 grid):
 ● Top-left pixel: black (1)
● Top-right pixel: white (0)
● Bottom-left pixel: black (1)
● Bottom-right pixel: white (0)

The binary data for this image would be: 1010

If this was a color image, each pixel would have a more complex binary value to represent
different colors.

Binary System in Everyday Life

Everything you do on your computer, smartphone, or any digital device is powered by binary.
Here’s how it impacts your daily tech use:

● Saving files: Your text, photos, and videos are stored as binary on your computer's hard
drive or SSD.
● Playing music: The audio file is stored as binary, and your device converts it into sound
waves.
● Watching videos: The video file is stored in binary, and your computer decodes the
binary data to display the moving images.

Summary

● The binary system (using 0s and 1s) is the foundation of how computers store and
process data.
● Bits are the smallest unit of data, and bytes (8 bits) are used to store more complex
information like letters or numbers.
● All types of data—text, images, music, videos—are converted into binary so that
computers can store and retrieve them efficiently.
● Storage devices (like HDDs, SSDs, and RAM) use binary to store data as electrical or
magnetic states (1s and 0s).