CIW - Data Representation {LESSON}

Data Representation

Computers are machines that do stuff with information. They let you view, listen, create, and edit information in documents, images, videos, sound, spreadsheets, and databases. They let you play games in simulated worlds that don’t really exist except as information inside the computer’s memory and displayed on the screen. They let you compute and calculate with numerical information; they let you send and receive information over networks. Fundamental to all of this is that the computer has to represent that information in some way inside the computer’s memory, as well as storing or sending it over a network.

In this lesson, you will learn about how data is represented on computers and the logic associated with processing the data.

So how exactly is all of this possible?

The binary numeral system plays a fundamental role in the way computers store data. They execute logic and arithmetic operations with two digits or states: 1/0, on/ off, yes/no, true/false. Just as we have the standard alphabet we use in creating words, there are standards like ASCII that represent alphabets and symbols as numbers, which in turn get converted to the zeros and ones of binary code.

The binary number system plays a central role in how information of all kinds is stored on computers. Understanding binary can lift a lot of the mystery when it comes to computers. The computer stores all information and program data only in binary, meaning all data (text, photos, audio, videos, etc.) is composed of ones and zeros.

How Computers Work - Binary and Data Video

Let’s review binary systems with the How Computers Work - Binary and Data video below. Please watch and take notes on the content.

"How Computers Work - Binary and Data." YouTube, uploaded by Code.org, 30 January 2018, How Computers Work: Binary & Data - YouTube Links to an external site.. Used according to Terms of Use.

Binary + Logic

Now that you have developed an understanding of how data is represented in computers, let’s take a step forward to learn about how computers process information.

As you probably have discovered thus far, the computer performs different tasks by executing program instructions; The CPU is responsible for the logical operations. Computers are digital machines and the logic gates are components within that create digital circuits to complete tasks. 

Take a look at the videos below as they dive a little deeper into how computers process information.

How Computers Work: Circuits and Logic

"How Computers Work: Circuits and Logic." YouTube, uploaded by Code.org, 30 January 2018, How Computers Work: Circuits and Logic - YouTube Links to an external site. . Used according to Terms of Use.

Boolean Logic and Logic Gates Video

"Boolean Logic & Logic Gates: Crash Course Computer Seience #3." YouTube, uploaded by CrashCourse, 8 March 2017, Boolean Logic & Logic Gates: Crash Course Computer Science #3 - YouTube Links to an external site. . Used according to Terms of Use.

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