Bits and Bytes: What's the Difference?

Posted: Jul 03, 2009 |Comments: 0 | Views: 203 |

In order to understand your Internet connection speed and how your computer stores information, you should start with the most basic measurements of data: bits and bytes. Before you read further, don't forget that a “b” (small case b) is a bit, and “B” (upper case B) is a byte, e.g., kb is kilobit and kB is kilobyte.

A bit (b) is the smallest measurement of data that can be stored or transferred on computers and Internet services. Bits store information based on a binary system of 1's and 0's (“bi” means 2, i.e., 2 numbers, 1 and 0). Bits are arranged and stored in sequences that are translated into words, pictures, etc., when you see them on your computer screen.

When you hear the term “bits”, it is usually used to when measure transfer rate, as in downloading from the Internet or an Internet connection speed. For example, “bps” is bits per second, or, the amount of bits that can be downloaded or transferred in a second. When measuring transfer rate for Internet connections, 1 kilobit (kb) = 1000 bits, 1 megabit (mb) = 1000 kilobits. Therefore, if your dial up connection successfully connected at 34.4 kbps, 34.4 kilobits or 34400 bits can be downloaded per second to your computer. If you have a 6000 kbps (or 6 mbps) DSL connection, you can download 6000 kilobits, or 6,000,000 bits per second.

A bit rate is the rate at which a certain number of bits (or kb or mb) can be streamed or downloaded per second. You will usually hear about “bit rates”in relation to audio and video streaming from the Internet. A higher bit rate means that the quality of the streaming will be higher, but it also requires a faster Internet connection to stream in real time. For example, to watch a video that has a bit rate of 240kbps, You would want to have a connection that is at least slightly faster to watch the video without interruptions.

A byte (B) is 8 bits. As you read earlier, bits store information based on a binary system and are arranged and stored in sequences, or bytes. Strings of bytes make up documents, images, commands for your computer, etc. Most sizes of files, programs, and capacities of drives, etc, are measured in bytes, kilobytes, megabytes (megs), and gigabytes (gigs).

When describing capacity, like file size or storage, bytes are measured by the binary system that bits use to store information. Therefore, “kilo” = 1,024 (or, 2^10). A kilobyte (kB) is 1,024 bytes, and a megabyte (mB) is 1,024 kilobytes. A gigabyte (gB) is 1,024 megabytes, etc.

Here are some examples of those numbers in relation to your computer. A typical Microsoft Word document is about 30 kB in size. An image is typically about 100 kB, depending on the size and format. When you save that document or image to your computer, it takes up 30 kB or 100 kB of your computers storage space. A CD typically has about 700 mB (or 716,800 kB) of storage space. Most hard drives on personal computers are now sold with a capacity of 500 gig (or 524,288,000 kB).

To review, 1 byte is 8 bits. An Internet connection (transfer rate, download/upload speed) is measured in bits, and 1 kilobit is 1,000 bits. Storage capacity (drive/disk space and file sizes), it is measured in bytes, and 1 kilobyte is 1,024 bytes. 

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/bits-and-bytes-whats-the-difference-1011972.html

    Article Tags:

    bits

    ,

    bytes

    ,

    kilobits

    ,

    kilobytes

    ,

    modem

    ,

    dial up

    ,

    internet connection speeds

    ,

    downloading

    ,

    kbps

    ,

    dialup internet service

    An in depth look at the new MMORPG from Blizzard Entertainment known as Diablo III, a long awaited release for Diablo fans.

    By: swtorman90l Computersl Jun 01, 2012

    Most small businesses take advantage of computer technology, and it certainly can make things a lot easier for everyone within the business when you do so properly. Unfortunately, there are also a number of different problems that can occur as a result of the technology that you are using.

    By: Jesus Mattsonl Computersl May 31, 2012
    Steve Crown

    Copying ipod to computer is easy. For more information on how read this article.

    By: Steve Crownl Computersl May 28, 2012

    Online training software has found its place in almost all the offices and organizations. It can be used to train employees over the net

    By: Yaxley Halel Computersl May 28, 2012

    According to leading research carried out by Gartner, the number of PCs distributed throughout the first quarter of 2012 went up by 1.9% which was better than analysts predicted.

    By: Daniel Kiddl Computersl May 28, 2012

    Dial-up Internet can occasionally be tricky when trying to connect. Thankfully the resolution is fairly easy when you understand the source of the problem. Here are the most common dial-up errors, and a few things to try before calling the local computer technician.

    By: Hannah Millerl Internetl Mar 03, 2010 lViews: 127

    Many websites have or are intended for forums. A forum is a way to communicate with other publicly in order to ask and answer questions among an open group of various people with a common interest. Here is a basic introduction to forums, what they do, and how to use them.

    By: Hannah Millerl Internet> Forumsl Mar 03, 2010

    Social networking is at an all time high for the most popular Internet activities. Although at one time social networking was basically a hit for a small group of technically inclined individuals, it has become an activity for everyone of all ages, and even organizations and businesses are benefitting and getting involved. Learn about the top three most popular social networking sites and how you can get involved.

    By: Hannah Millerl Internetl Feb 17, 2010 lViews: 400

    If you’re new to Facebook, you may be wondering what notes and networks and pokes are. Here’s a list of common Facebook terms that will help you figure out some of the Facebook lingo.

    By: Hannah Millerl Internetl Feb 12, 2010 lViews: 212

    If you love chatting, instant messaging, and texting, you’ll love social networking. One of the hottest Internet trends today, social networking is sweeping the globe and becoming more than just a hobby. It has affected businesses, the way we communicate and the methods we use to get and spread information.

    By: Hannah Millerl News and Societyl Feb 12, 2010 lViews: 1,055

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast