Drive Bit

Drive Bit

Bits and Bytes: What's the Difference?

In order to understand your Internet connection speed and how your computer stores information, you should start with the most basic measurements of data: bits and bytes. Before you read further, don't forget that a “b” (small case b) is a bit, and “B” (upper case B) is a byte, e.g., kb is kilobit and kB is kilobyte.

A bit (b) is the smallest measurement of data that can be stored or transferred on computers and Internet services. Bits store information based on a binary system of 1's and 0's (“bi” means 2, i.e., 2 numbers, 1 and 0). Bits are arranged and stored in sequences that are translated into words, pictures, etc., when you see them on your computer screen.

When you hear the term “bits”, it is usually used to when measure transfer rate, as in downloading from the Internet or an Internet connection speed. For example, “bps” is bits per second, or, the amount of bits that can be downloaded or transferred in a second. When measuring transfer rate for Internet connections, 1 kilobit (kb) = 1000 bits, 1 megabit (mb) = 1000 kilobits. Therefore, if your dial up connection successfully connected at 34.4 kbps, 34.4 kilobits or 34400 bits can be downloaded per second to your computer. If you have a 6000 kbps (or 6 mbps) DSL connection, you can download 6000 kilobits, or 6,000,000 bits per second.

A bit rate is the rate at which a certain number of bits (or kb or mb) can be streamed or downloaded per second. You will usually hear about “bit rates”in relation to audio and video streaming from the Internet. A higher bit rate means that the quality of the streaming will be higher, but it also requires a faster Internet connection to stream in real time. For example, to watch a video that has a bit rate of 240kbps, You would want to have a connection that is at least slightly faster to watch the video without interruptions.

A byte (B) is 8 bits. As you read earlier, bits store information based on a binary system and are arranged and stored in sequences, or bytes. Strings of bytes make up documents, images, commands for your computer, etc. Most sizes of files, programs, and capacities of drives, etc, are measured in bytes, kilobytes, megabytes (megs), and gigabytes (gigs).

When describing capacity, like file size or storage, bytes are measured by the binary system that bits use to store information. Therefore, “kilo” = 1,024 (or, 2^10). A kilobyte (kB) is 1,024 bytes, and a megabyte (mB) is 1,024 kilobytes. A gigabyte (gB) is 1,024 megabytes, etc.

Here are some examples of those numbers in relation to your computer. A typical Microsoft Word document is about 30 kB in size. An image is typically about 100 kB, depending on the size and format. When you save that document or image to your computer, it takes up 30 kB or 100 kB of your computers storage space. A CD typically has about 700 mB (or 716,800 kB) of storage space. Most hard drives on personal computers are now sold with a capacity of 500 gig (or 524,288,000 kB).

To review, 1 byte is 8 bits. An Internet connection (transfer rate, download/upload speed) is measured in bits, and 1 kilobit is 1,000 bits. Storage capacity (drive/disk space and file sizes), it is measured in bytes, and 1 kilobyte is 1,024 bytes. 

About the Author

Written by Hannah Miller, Director of Online Marketing and Customer Service Rep, Copper.net.

Copper.net is a nationwide Internet Services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online. Check out my blog! http://hmiller1234.wordpress.com/

Square Drive Bit $1.99 Square Drive Bit

Star Bit Socket Set by Performance Tool $17.99 12-piece set;6 star bit 1/4 in. drive sockets: T-12, T-15, T-20, T-25, T-27, T-30;5 star bit 3/8 in. drive sockets: T-40, T-45, T-47, T-50, T-55;1 star bit 1/2 in. drive socket: T-60;Lifetime warranty Star Bit Socket Set by Performance Tool

Bit Set by Performance Tool $9.99 100-piece master bit set;Use with screwdrivers, electric drills or socket wrenches;Bit adapters;Magnetic bit holder; in. Y in. style bits;Tri-wing, metric and SAE hex;Clutch head and spine bits Bit Set by Performance Tool

Security Bit Set by Performance Tool $3.99 33-piece set;Quality chrome vanadium bits;Tamperproof;Hex Key (AF and Metric);Torq set;Magnetic bit holder Security Bit Set by Performance Tool

Drill Bit Set by Performance Tool $42.99 204-piece set;Specially designed four panel case folds three ways to offer twice the storage space;Use with power drill, drill press or bit drivers;Includes bits for nearly every type of drilling and drivingHigh speed steel drill bits Drill Bit Set by Performance Tool

Lisle T-60 Torx Bit $6.95 1/2'' Drive T-60 Torx Bit

Security Bit Set by Performance Tool for Jeep $9.99 32-piece set;Contains slotted, phillips, tri-wing bits, torque bits, spanner bits and hex bits Security Bit Set by Performance Tool for Jeep

Quik Drive Quik Drive #2 Sq Recess Bit BIT2S $8.09 #2 sq recess bit 3 screwdriving bits and 1 wrench for use with Quik Drive fastening system No. 2 square drive Brand #: Quik Drive BIT2S UPC: 707392665502 Keywords: screwdriver bit quik drive

KD Tools 1/4 Drive To Bit Adapter. Each $4.85 Manufacturer: KD Tools. Each. 1/4" Hex Shank Bit Adapter Lifetime warranty does not cover abuse Customers also search for: Discount 1/4" Drive To Bit Adapter, Buy 1/4" Drive To Bit Adapter, Wholesale 1/4" Drive To Bit Adapter, 082171890000, EHT890002GD, A

Apex Nutsetter Power Bit, 1/4 Drive. Each $22.72 Manufacturer: Apex. Each. Magnetic Customers also search for: Discount Nutsetter Power Bit, 1/4" Drive, Buy Nutsetter Power Bit, 1/4" Drive, Wholesale Nutsetter Power Bit, 1/4" Drive, 697099085928, M6N-0808-5, Drill Parts and Accessories

Security Nut Kit w/ Spanner Bit (1/4-20) ; By Rigid Industries $18.99 Comes with 2-1/4" x 20 spanner nuts;4 spacer washers;1/4" hex nut;Works with most aftermarket mounting options Security Nut Kit w/ Spanner Bit (1/4-20) ; By Rigid Industries

Titanium Coated Drill Bit Set by Performance Tool for Jeep $19.99 21-piece set;Great for drilling plastic, wood or metal;Assorted sizes 1/16 through 3/8 in.;Handy storage case Titanium Coated Drill Bit Set by Performance Tool for Jeep

3/8'' Drive, Fractional Hex Bit Socket - 3/16'' $14.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

3/8'' Drive Fractional Hex Bit Socket - 3/8'' $17.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

1/2'' Drive, Fractional Hex Bit Socket - 1/2'' $24.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

3/8'' Drive Fractional Hex Bit Socket - 7/32'' $14.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

3/8'' Drive Fractional Hex Bit Socket 1/4'' $14.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

3/8'' Drive Fractional Hex Bit Socket - 5/16'' $17.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

1/2'' Drive, Fractional Hex Bit Socket - 9/16'' $22.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

10Mm, 3/8'' Drive, Metric Hex Bit Socket $15.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

1/2'' Drive, Fractional Hex Bit Socket -5/8'' $23.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

3Mm, 3/8'' Drive, Metric Hex Bit Socket $13.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

4Mm, 3/8'' Drive, Metric Hex Bit Socket $13.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

5Mm, 3/8'' Drive, Metric Hex Bit Socket $15.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

6Mm, 3/8'' Drive, Metric Hex Bit Socket $12.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

7Mm, 3/8'' Drive, Metric Hex Bit Socket $18.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

8Mm, 3/8'' Drive, Metric Hex Bit Socket $18.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

12Mm, 3/8'' Drive, Metric Hex Bit Socket $18.95 ? SuperKrome? finish bit holder ? High strength, S2 steel bits ? C-Clip retention - bit holder stays secure on drive tool when in use ? 100% made in the U.S.A. By SK Hand Tool.

Skil 90058 58-Piece Drill/Drive Bit Set $24.99 58-Piece Drill/Drive Bit Set - 90058. (17) Multi-purpose Drill Bits. (4) Nutdrivers. (20) Insert Bits. (10) Power Bits. Magnetic Bit Holder. Heavy-Duty Case

Lisle 3/8" Drive Tamper Proof Bit T45. Each $6.78 Manufacturer: Lisle. Each. 27560 3/8" Drive T45 Tamper Bit Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive Tamper Proof Bit T45, Buy 3/8" Drive Tamper Proof Bit T45, Wholesale 3/8" Drive Tamper Proof Bit T45, 083045275602, ToolWeb, Bits

Lisle 3/8" Drive Tamper Proof Bit T50. Each $7.46 Manufacturer: Lisle. Each. 27580 3/8" Drive T50 Tamper Bit Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive Tamper Proof Bit T50, Buy 3/8" Drive Tamper Proof Bit T50, Wholesale 3/8" Drive Tamper Proof Bit T50, 083045275800, ToolWeb, Bits

Lisle T-27 Torx Drive Bit $3.99 Made of heat-treated alloy steel 3/8" Drive

Lisle T-47 Torx Drive Bit $3.99 Made of heat-treated alloy steel 3/8" Drive

Lisle 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 3 mm. Each $6.7 Manufacturer: Lisle. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 3 mm, Buy 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 3 mm, Wholesale 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 3 mm, 083045338604, ToolWeb, Hex Bit Sockets

Lisle 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 4 mm. Each $6.7 Manufacturer: Lisle. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 4 mm, Buy 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 4 mm, Wholesale 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 4 mm, 083045338703, ToolWeb, Hex Bit Sockets

Lisle 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 5 mm. Each $6.7 Manufacturer: Lisle. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 5 mm, Buy 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 5 mm, Wholesale 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 5 mm, 083045338802, ToolWeb, Hex Bit Sockets

Lisle 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 6 mm. Each $6.7 Manufacturer: Lisle. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 6 mm, Buy 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 6 mm, Wholesale 3/8 Drive Hex Bit Socket 6 mm, 083045338901, ToolWeb, Hex Bit Sockets

Lisle 3/8" Drive Hex Bit Socket 5/16". Each $6.97 Manufacturer: Lisle. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive Hex Bit Socket 5/16", Buy 3/8" Drive Hex Bit Socket 5/16", Wholesale 3/8" Drive Hex Bit Socket 5/16", 083045136606, ToolWeb, Hex Bit Sockets