1. Measuring Memory and Storage
Computer Storage
Measuring Memory and Storage

2. Storing Data
John von Neumann's development of software written in binary code began the storing data and instructions in binary code and initiated the use of memory to store data, as well as programs.

3. The Functions of a Computer
There are 4 basic computer functions:
Memory, Processing, Input, and Output

4. Computer Memory There are two basic categories:
Short term: Random Access Memory (RAM) – used to constantly and temporarily store information.
Long term: ROM (Read Only Memory)

5. Measurement
A bit (binary digit) is a digit in the binary numeral system, which consists of base 2 digits.

6. Bytes
A byte is a collection of bits and is commonly used as a unit of storage measurement in computers.
A single byte is made up of 1’s and 0’s usually traveling in pairs of eight.
These 8 0’s and 1’s are the way the computer communicates and stores information.
With each keystroke or character a byte of memory is used.

7. Megabytes and Gigabytes
A megabyte is a unit of information or computer storage equal to exactly one million bytes .
A gigabyte is a unit of information or computer storage equal to one billion (that is, a thousand million) bytes.

8. Size Approximate storage capacity
1 Byte = A single character
10 Bytes = A word or two
100 Bytes = A sentence or two
1 kB = A very short story
10 kB = An encyclopedia page
100 kB = A medium-resolution photograph
1 MB = A short novel or 100 pages of single- spaced 12 point font text in MS Word
10 MB = Two copies of the complete works of Shakespeare
100 MB = 1 meter of shelved books
1 GB = 18 hours of MP3 music

9. Measurement of Bytes 8 bits 1 byte 1000 bytes 1 KB 1000 KB 1 MB
1GB

10. Storage Devices The storage capacity of Storage Devices:
31/2 Floppy Disk
700 MB CD
128 MB USB pin
256 MB USB pin
512 MB USB pin
1 GB USB pin