Measuring Memory
Computer memory is measured; (bit, byte, KB, MB, GB). Computer memory measurements relate to characters, fields, records, files and directories/folders.
It is important to realize that the term digital computer refers to the fact that ultimately the computer works in. A computer uses the numbers 0 and 1 (or on and off if you prefer or what is called binary). Thus when we talk about computer storage, either the amount of memory (RAM) or the hard disk capacity we are talking about numbers that are multiples of 0 or 1.
Bit All computers work on a binary numbering system, i.e. they process data in one's or zero's. This 1 or 0 level of storage is called a bit. Often hardware is specified as a 32-bit computer, which means that the hardware can process 32 bits at a time.Software is also described as 16 bit, 32 bit or 64 bit software.
Byte A byte consists of eight bits.
Kilobyte A kilobyte (KB) consists of 1024 bytes.
Megabyte A megabyte (MB) consists of 1024 kilobytes.
Gigabyte A gigabyte (GB) consists of 1024 megabytes.
Tetrabyte A tetrabyte (GB) consists of 1024 gigagabytes.
Files Data and programs are stored on your disk as files. There are different types of files, such as the files that you store your data in, the files that contain your programs and also files used to store your operating system (such as Microsoft Windows). These files all originate from bits.