PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2023
Answer
8 Bits
Explanation
The smallest unit of data in computing is a 'Bit', which stands for Binary Digit (either a 0 or a 1). A sequence of 8 bits makes up 1 'Byte'. A single byte is typically used to encode a single character of text (like a letter or a number) in a computer. Furthermore, a half-byte consisting of 4 bits is called a 'Nibble'.
Key Points
- > 1 Byte = 8 Bits.
- > 1 Nibble = 4 Bits.
- > 1024 Bytes = 1 Kilobyte (KB).
- > 1024 Kilobytes = 1 Megabyte (MB).
- > 1024 Megabytes = 1 Gigabyte (GB).
- > 1024 Gigabytes = 1 Terabyte (TB).
- > The term Bit is a portmanteau of Binary Digit.
Additional Information
Computer Memory Units
| Unit | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bit | 0 or 1 | Smallest piece of data |
| Nibble | 4 Bits | Half a Byte |
| Byte | 8 Bits | Holds 1 character |
| Kilobyte (KB) | 1024 Bytes | Roughly a page of text |
Memory Tips
- Think of eating an 8-slice pizza. One whole Byte (Pizza) is made up of 8 Bits (Slices).