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Basic Units of Data Storage

The document defines the basic units of data storage from the bit up through terabytes. A bit stores a single binary digit of 0 or 1 and is the smallest unit. Eight bits form a byte, which can store one character. Kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes are multiples of 1024 bytes and are commonly used to measure storage capacity. The document also discusses computer words as the basic unit of data defined by the system, with word sizes varying from one to two bytes in early computers up to 32 or 64 bits in more powerful systems.

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342 views3 pages

Basic Units of Data Storage

The document defines the basic units of data storage from the bit up through terabytes. A bit stores a single binary digit of 0 or 1 and is the smallest unit. Eight bits form a byte, which can store one character. Kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes are multiples of 1024 bytes and are commonly used to measure storage capacity. The document also discusses computer words as the basic unit of data defined by the system, with word sizes varying from one to two bytes in early computers up to 32 or 64 bits in more powerful systems.

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CrichelleMae
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Basic Units of Data Storage

mirzamani | March 2, 2011 | 0 Comments

The basic units of data storage are as follows:

1. Bit

Computer works with binary digits. These digits are in the form of 0′s and 1′s. A
binary digit is called bit. One bit takes one storage location in memory. It is the
smallest unit for data storage.

2. Byte

A collection of eight bits is called byte. It is used to store single character. The
capacity of the memory or the storage is expressed in terms of bytes.

3. Kilobyte

A kilobyte consists of 1024 bytes. It is denoted by KB.

4. Megabyte

A megabyte consists of 1024 kilobytes. It is denoted by MB.

5. Gigabyte
A gigabyte consists of 1024 megabytes. It is denoted by GB.

6. Terabyte

A terabyte consists of 1024 gigabytes. It is denoted by TB.

The commonly used storage capacity terms are as follows:

7. Word

A computer word is the number of bytes in common unit of data defined by the
computer system. It is normally the size of a register. The length if a word is
different in different computers. The larger word indicates more powerful computer.

The following tables indicates different word sizes:


No. of bytes No. of bits Ear of computer

One byte 8 Very early personal computer

Two byte 16 Traditional micro-computer

Single word 32 Mainframe, mini-computer and microcomputers

Double word 64 Super computers and some micro computers

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