The computer system operates on the binary system, so this unit focuses entirely on binary data representation. It reintroduces the concepts of number systems, including binary, octal, and hexadecimal notations. The unit also covers various number representations such as floating-point, BCD (Binary-Coded Decimal), and character-based representations. Additionally, it details error detection and correction codes.

Objectives

At the end of the unit you will be able to:

• Use binary, octal and hexadecimal numbers;
• Convert decimal numbers to other systems and vice versa; 
• Describe the character representation in computers;
• Create fixed and floating point number formats;
• Demonstrate use of fixed and floating point numbers in performing arithmetic operations; and
• Describe the data error checking mechanism and error detection and correction I codes.