Topic Two (1.2): Storing Data Inside the Computer, Storing Text and Numbers as Binary

Topics Icon.png Objectives for this topic

By the end of this topic you should be able to:

  • describe the storage units in a computer;
  • describe how binary is used to store text;
  • describe how binary is used to store numbers.

You might also be able to:

  • describe the links between text and number storage in binary.

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

Computers might seem really clever, but they really aren't. In fact, they don't know anything – every single piece of data is stored as a mix of 0s and 1s – the computer doesn't even know what the data is. It's up to us, as program designers, to tell the computer what the data is so that it can handle it properly.

In this topic you will learn about the methods the computer uses to store text and numbers, including some of the links between the two.

Interact Icon.png Working through your coursebook

Read page 14 in your Computing Stage 8 book.

  • Complete the practice task on page 14; share your poem with your family.
  • Make sure that you understand the key words described on page 14. Add them to your cram.com Links to an external site. flashcards.

Read pages 15-16 in your Computing Stage 8 book.

  • Make sure that you understand the key words described on page 16. Add them to your cram.com Links to an external site. flashcards.
  • Complete the practice task on page 16.
  • Pay extra attention to the red boxes with key concepts in them.

Read pages 17-18 in your Computing Stage 8 book.

COMPLETE - Place Value Revision Exercise. Download COMPLETE - Place Value Revision Exercise.

Review Icon.png Review

Reflect upon the four pages you have just covered. In your notes summarise:

  • what you have learnt;
  • what you already knew;
  • what surprised you;
  • what you are curious to know more about.

Bridge Icon.png  Support activity for this topic

Why do computers use binary? Find out more in this video:

Stretch Icon.png Extension activity for this topic

Some older computers such as the WITCH use decimal rather than binary. Research the WITCH online and see if you can find out why decimal computers never caught on.