THE BINARY NUMBER SYSTEM

 
The binary number system is a numbering system that represents numeric values using two
unique digits (0 and 1). Computing devices use binary numbering to represent electronic circuit
voltage state, (on/off switch), which considers 0 voltage input as off and 1 input as on.

How Computers Store Numbers? Computer systems are constructed of digital

electronics. That means that their electronic circuits can exist in only one of two
states: on or off. Most computer electronics use voltage levels to indicate their
present state. For example, a transistor with five volts would be considered
"on", while a transistor with no voltage would be considered "off."

Not all computer hardware uses voltage, however. CD-ROM's, for example, use
microscopic dark spots on the surface of the disk to indicate "off," while the
ordinary shiny surface is considered "on." Hard disks use magnetism, while
computer memory uses electric charges stored in tiny capacitors to indicate
"on" or "off."

These patterns of "on" and "off" stored inside the computer are used to encode
numbers using the binary number system. The binary number system is a
method of storing ordinary numbers such as 42 or 365 as patterns of 1's and
0's. Because of their digital nature, a computer's electronics can easily
manipulate numbers stored in binary by treating 1 as "on" and 0 as "off."
Computers have circuits that can add, subtract, multiply, divide, and do many
other things to numbers stored in binary.

Binary – stand for two. There are only two numbers in binary, 0 and 1. Because
computers use a sequence of switches that can be on or off (also called a bit),
base 2 works very well for them.

There are eight bits in a byte, which is used very often in the computer field.

 We use this system in the computer field as a means of viewing lots of data
much faster.

The term computer numbering formats refers to the schemes or strategy

implemented in digital computer and calculator hardware and software to
represent numbers. A common mistake made by non-specialist computer users
is a certain misplaced or lost faith or confidence in the infallibility of numerical
computations.
 

In most of our everyday lives we use the decimal numbering system. The system uses 10 digits
that can be combined to form larger numbers.

Decimal - Or base 10. Uses the numbers 0-9 Computers only display numbers
in decimal, they actually do all their work in binary. Math is quite simple with this
number system, Each digit in the number represents a value from 0 to 9 (hence
ten different possible values) which is why this is called a decimal or base- 10
number. Each digit also has a weight of a power often associated with its
position.

BITS, BYTES, NIBBLES, AND UNSIGNED INTEGERS

Bits the concept of a bit can be understood as a value of either 1 or 0, on or off,

yes or no, or encoded by a switch or toggle of some kind. A single bit must
represent one of two states:  one-digit binary value: decimal value: two distinct
values While a single bit, on its own, is able to represent only two values, a
string of two bits together are able to Nibbles.

A unit of four bits, or half an octet, is often called a nibble (or nibble).

Each bit can only have a value of 1 or 0 (hence only two possible values) so this
is a binary, or base- 2.

Bytes

A byte is often a computer's smallest addressable memory unit. In most

computers this is an ordered sequence of eight bits or binary digits that can
represent one of 256 possible values. Most recent computers
process information in 8-bit units, or some other multiple therefor (such as 16,
32, or 64 bits) at a time. A group of 8 bits is now widely used as a fundamental
unit, and is generally called a 'byte' (or sometimes octet).
Nibbles

A unit of four bits, or half an octet, is often called a nibble (or nybble). It can

encode 16 different values, such as the numbers 0 to 15. Any arbitrary
sequence of bits could be used in principle

Each digit in the number represents a value from 0 to 9 (hence ten different

possible values) which is why this is called a decimal or base-10 number. Each
digit also has a weight of a power often associated with its position.

Processing device, When a computer receives data from an input device (such

as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, etc.), the data must go through an intermediate
stage before it can be sent to an output device (like a monitor, printer, speakers, etc).
A processing device is any device in a computer that handles this intermediate
stage. For example, in the diagram below, the CPU is the processing device.

 
What is Data Processing?
Data processing is simply the conversion of raw data to meaningful information
through a process. Data is manipulated to produce results that lead to a
resolution of a problem or improvement of an existing situation. Similar to a
production process, it follows a cycle where inputs (raw data) are fed to a
process (computer systems, software, etc.) to produce output (information and
insights).

Generally, organizations employ computer systems to carry out a series of

operations on the data in order to present, interpret, or obtain information. The
process includes activities like data entry, summary, calculation, storage, etc.
Useful and informative output is presented in various appropriate forms such as
diagrams, reports, graphics, etc.

 
 
Stages of the Data Processing Cycle
1) Collection is the first stage of the cycle, and is very crucial, since the quality
of data collected will impact heavily on the output. The collection process needs
to ensure that the data gathered are both defined and accurate, so that
subsequent decisions based on the findings are valid. This stage provides both
the baseline from which to measure, and a target on what to improve.
Some types of data collection include census (data collection about everything
in a group or statistical population), sample survey (collection method that
includes only part of the total population), and administrative by-product (data
collection is a byproduct of an organization’s day-to-day operations).

2) Preparation is the manipulation of data into a form suitable for further

analysis and processing. Raw data cannot be processed and must be checked
for accuracy. Preparation is about constructing a dataset from one or more data
sources to be used for further exploration and processing. Analyzing data that
has not been carefully screened for problems can produce highly misleading
results that are heavily dependent on the quality of data prepared.
3) Input is the task where verified data is coded or converted into machine
readable form so that it can be processed through a computer. Data entry is
done through the use of a keyboard, digitizer, scanner, or data entry from an
existing source. This time-consuming process requires speed and accuracy.
Most data need to follow a formal and strict syntax since a great deal of
processing power is required to breakdown the complex data at this stage. Due
to the costs, many businesses are resorting to outsource this stage.
4) Processing is when the data is subjected to various means and methods of
manipulation, the point where a computer program is being executed, and it
contains the program code and its current activity. The process may be made
up of multiple threads of execution that simultaneously execute instructions,
depending on the operating system. While a computer program is a passive
collection of instructions, a process is the actual execution of those instructions.
Many software programs are available for processing large volumes of data
within very short periods.
5) Output and interpretation is the stage where processed information is now
transmitted to the user. Output is presented to users in various report formats
like printed report, audio, video, or on monitor. Output need to be interpreted so
that it can provide meaningful information that will guide future decisions of the
company.
6) Storage is the last stage in the data processing cycle, where data, instruction
and information are held for future use. The importance of this cycle is that it
allows quick access and retrieval of the processed information, allowing it to be
passed on to the next stage directly, when needed. Every computer uses
storage to hold system and application software.
The Data Processing Cycle is a series of steps carried out to extract information
from raw data. Although each step must be taken in order, the order is cyclic.
The output and storage stage can lead to the repeat of the data collection
stage, resulting in another cycle of data processing. The cycle provides a view
on how the data travels and transforms from collection to interpretation, and
ultimately, used in effective business decisions.