Binary is a code made up of 1's and 0's. These values are used either by themselves or in combination to represent negatives (0), positives (1), entire numbers, and even alphabets. Computers use the binary system because it is more natural for them, since computers read information as either the presence or lack of an electrical charge. The 1 would stand for a charge and the 0 would stand for the lack of a charge.
The binary system is based on the power of two. Binary is divided into columns:
Binary can be translated by using these columns:
To translate the binary number (01101010) into a decimal number (which is what we humans use), you would add
64+32+8+2. The ones represent a number and the zeros do not. So the binary number 01101010 would be the decimal number 106!
This form of binary code is known as 8-bit since it contains 8 numbers. Bit is short for binary digit. An 8 bit binary is also known as a byte. There are other bits including 4, 16, 32, and 64.
It is also quite simple to convert a decimal value into binary. You simply divide your decimal number by 2, and write down the remainder, repeating the process until you can longer divide by 2.
Lets use the random number 321 as an example:
321\2=160 with a remainder of 1
160\2=80 with a remainder of 0
80\2=40 with a remainder of 0
40\2=20 with a remainder of 0
20\2=10 with a remainder of 0
10\2=5 with a remainder of 0
5\2=2 with a remainder of 1
2\2=1 with a remainder of 0
So, the number 321 is represented in binary form by 10000010. Binary is actually very simple and fun once you get the hang of it. It's also a great way to impress folks ;).
For a binary alphabet chart, follow this link: http://www.tekmom.com/buzzwords/binaryalphabet.html
For a binary to text and vice- versa converter, visit this link: http://www.roubaixinteractive.com/PlayGround/Binary_Conversion/Binary_To_Text.asp
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