Why do computers use binary?
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Answer
Their transistors are switches that are either on or off
Computers are built from tiny switches called transistors. Each is on or off, which maps neatly to 1 or 0.
How Computers Work
Binary, logic gates, CPUs, storage, the internet and secret codes
How Computers Work is a Bertopia flashcard pack of 70 cards: binary, logic gates, CPUs, storage, the internet and secret codes. It covers binary and hex; text, pictures and sound; logic gates; CPU and memory; storage; how the internet works; encryption.
Sample cards
How many bits make one byte?
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Answer
8
A bit is a single 0 or 1. Eight bits make a byte, and four bits are called a nibble.
What does a NOT gate output when its input is 1?
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Answer
0
NOT flips its single input to the opposite value.
What is the CPU's main job?
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Answer
Executing the instructions of programs
The processor, or Central Processing Unit, runs program instructions and manages the rest of the hardware.
What makes secondary storage different from RAM?
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Answer
It keeps data when the power is off
Secondary storage is non-volatile and cheaper per byte, so it holds your files and apps permanently.
Who owns the internet?
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Answer
No single owner: many organisations own the linked networks
Governments, companies and universities each own different networks that link together using shared protocols.
Sources
2 sources
- Isaac Computer Science, GCSE concept pages, University of Cambridge and Raspberry Pi Foundation (Open Government Licence v3.0)
- National curriculum in England: computing programmes of study, Department for Education (Open Government Licence v3.0)
