binary codes

Red Stranger

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Computer process information using binary codes. We can also count using binary. When you enter a series of 1's and 0's, how does the computer know that it's supposed to represent a certain word or picture and not just a very large number?
 
Because the computer breaks it down into bytes. 8 bits = 1 byte. 1 bit is a one or zero. So one byte has the potentional for 256 different combinations. It then puts these bytes together to make information.

If you look at an ASCII chart, you'll see the different combinations. Try googling for one.
 
Red Stranger said:
Computer process information using binary codes. We can also count using binary. When you enter a series of 1's and 0's, how does the computer know that it's supposed to represent a certain word or picture and not just a very large number?
As Turner said, everything is split up in bytes (8 bits) and interpreted. The processor (CPU) has a series of internal commands (add, substract, multiply, divide, and, or...), a series of registers where it temporarily stores information, and by-proxy means to command the memory, disk and peripherals.

Here's a more detailed explanation:
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/microprocessor.htm
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/pc4.htm
 
As far as the computer is concerned, there is no such thing as words, or pictures. Everything is just numbers. ;)

A program (even the operating system) is just a special set of numbers. A program starts with a string of special numbers that the processors recognizes as a code that basically says, "This is a program. The numbers are instructions to execute." Data files (i.e., words and pictures) start with different strings of "magic numbers" that tell the program what kind of data it represents. (Although Windows depends on the human user to identify them with 3-character extensions to the filename.... :shakehead) The program then displays the data to us in the format we expect. But to the computer, it is all just numbers.
 
CPU/RAM consists of millions of CMOS transistors. Our input are processed into 1's and 0's, which turn CMOS ON/OFF. The output of the CMOS connections are translated back to words/pictures.
 
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