Bits and Bytes

A bit is a binary digit, either 0 or 1. Computers use something called machine code which is the language of hardware and made up of only 0's and 1's. A byte (pronounced "bite") is basically 8 bits (with 2 options for every bit there are 256 ways to create a single byte).

Since everything is converted into bits and bytes on a computer there are endless uses. For example, the website that's needed to market this idea will basically be created using bits and bytes. Although, luckily for users, graphical interfaces have been created by programmers to minimize the technical knowledge and programming language needed. Even though users don't directly deal with 0's and 1's everything they do is converted by the hardware inside their computers.

It's amazing how even the simplest task requires massive amounts of 0's and 1's. For example, typing a simple 1 paragraph email to a friend. The user only has to hit the keys (for each letter/symbol) but all of those letters are made up of bits. Imagine, having to use only 0's and 1's to create an email... it would take much longer than just using letters. To put this in perspective... to make the word, "Simple" with only binary digits one would have to input this: (S)01010011 (i)01101001 (m)01101101 (p)01110000 (l)01101100 (e)01100101 ending up with 010100110110100101101101011100000110110001100101. This is much longer, complicated, and more time consuming than simply typing the word. Thanks to http://www.pcguide.com/res/tablesASCII-c.html for the ASCII Character Chart.

-Julian

MP3

MP3 comes from MPEG and it's basically a version of compression. The WAV format of a sound file is the uncompressed version, which means it's usually much bigger than the corresponding MP3 file. Most people are familiar with MP3 because it's how most songs are transferred and stored.

My idea can use MP3's because when it is put into effect there will need to be an alarm in case someone tries to leave without paying. The alarm sound file will be stored as an MP3 so that it won't take up a lot of space. There must be integrated storage space in the alarm mechanism and to minimize the space needed it will be helpful to use a compressed sound file.

Also, for the benefit of both customers and employees there will be background music. The song files being played will be stored on an external HDD (probably an iPod or other MP3 device) and played with speakers located throughout the store. It's better to use a compressed format because then more songs can be stored in a certain amount of space.

-Julian