Why bits vs bytes

Consequently, every kind of data that the computer wishes to work with gets turned into numbers in the end. Computers, on the other hand, do not represent numbers in the same manner that we do.

We utilize the decimal system, which uses ten digits to represent numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Modern computers utilize a two-digit binary format to represent numbers 0 and 1. A bit is just a smaller unit of information than a byte, according to the most basic definition.

That process is reflected in this symbol, which represents one unit of information representing either a zero no charge or a one full charge a completed, charged circuit. One byte of information is made up of eight bits of information. Does your brain hurt yet? Ours does. So, if all you did was scroll through looking for the highlights, remember this:. Skip to main content. Pay My Bill. Outage Info. Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility. Zone Updates.

Grant Zone Updates. Tech Updates. Local Business Updates. Elevate Home Phone Updates. Elevate TV Updates. Elevate Internet Updates. The bits of data that make up that email from grandma can arrive in any order as long as the email client arranges them properly once they arrive. And though speed fluctuates, a recent FCC report shows that when averaged over a set period of time, cable ISPs deliver at or above advertised internet speeds as shown in the graphic below.

Today, many cable ISPs are capable of delivering internet speeds over 1 Gigabit per second. In that environment, speed requirements are going to increase. Let's say you find a file online that is 17 megabytes MB in size, and you want to download it using your 17 megabit per second Mbps broadband connection. This won't take one second; it will take eight times one second because a megabyte is eight times bigger than a megabit.

So in theory — and with a perfectly consistent speed — it should take eight seconds to download. Before you start reaching for your calculator, read our guide to download times.

We've pulled together a list of the most common broadband speeds and file sizes to give you an idea of how long it will take to download films, TV series, songs and more. From how it's written.

A byte is an uppercase 'B' and a bit is a lowercase 'b'. If it says MB, all capitals, then it is a megabyte. If it says Mb, then it is a megabit. There is one exception to this, of course, and it is the symbol for kilobit, which is 'kb', all lowercase. But these file sizes are so small nowadays that you shouldn't really see much of them.