On Monday 15 January 2007 17:50, John E. Perry wrote:
> Joachim Schrod wrote:
> > Hans Witvliet wrote:
> >> And btw, "B" is for bytes (octets) and "b" for bits
> >> The term "Byte" comes from by-eight.
> >
> > Do your have any reference for that?
> >
> > A byte is the basic addressing unit of memory, that's all.
>
> Well, my instructors in the early '70's told me that a byte was
> analogous to "bite" -- not the smallest "bit" accessible, but smaller
> than the full-size "word" of most architectures of the time.  And some
> architectures do allow you direct access to a bit.
>
> bit: smallest piece
> bite or byte: manageable chunk to chew on
> steak or word: full-size portion
>
> (the culinary examples are my own)
>
> --
>
> John Perry

bit - individual binary number 1 or 0
byte - 8 bits
word - depends on the processor 16, 32 or 64 bits

Mike
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