The Final Quarter: Data Representation

               There are two types of data that are store within a computer:

• Original data or information is a data that is introduced to a computing system for the first time.
• Previously Stored data or information is the one that has already been processed by a computer and is being stored.

               The process of taking a visual image or audio recording and converting it to a binary form for the computer is called digitizing.
              
               The common basic technologies used for storing binary information are:

• Electronic (flashdrive)
• Magnetic (external/hard drive)
• Optical (CD/DVD)

             
               Bit is the smallest unit of data the computer uses. It can be used to represent two states of information. While a byte can represent 256 states of information. 8 bits are equal to 1 byte.
              
               The most important characteristics of storage devices are:

• Speed - consider the access time. The fastest one is the electronic device.
• Cost - The cheapest device is the optical one.
• Capacity - Magnetic device can hold the largest capacity.
• Type of Access affects the speed of device. There are two types. One is the sequential which is obtained by proceeding from the start until the designated area. The other is random access wherein you can go directly to the designated area.

               Information is moved about in bytes or multiple bytes called words which are the fundamental units of information.