2006-09-02 01:28:00 · 7 answers · asked by p.e.z 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Programming & Design
are you asking why computers use binary and not decimal?
The answer to that lies in the fact that at the lowest level, a computer is an electronic device. Any electronic device works on electronic signals and voltages. It was found that at very high speeds, the easiest thing to do is to measure whether current is flowing or nor, or whether a voltage exists or not. Its a much harder problem to identify how much electricity is flowing (if it is flowing) or how much is the voltage.
Another way to look at it is to say that its easy to identify whether something is zero or non-zero, but much harder to identify that if its is nonzero, whether its 1 or 2 or 3...
This finding led to development of logic that used some kind of switching... on and off. Assume off = 0. On could mean anything from 1 to infinity, but since we also provided the power source, we could guarantee that on = 1 (makes it simple, really)
Hence modern computers rely on binary system.
But as we make rapid advancements, there are a lot of researchers who are exploring going beyond binary sustems..
If you are interested, read up this paper on quantum computing:
http://www.peterindia.net/QuantumComputing.html
But understanding that may need some hardcore physics background...
2006-09-02 01:42:47 · answer #1 · answered by Neil 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
digital computers use 0 & 1, 0 meaning off (or no current flow), 1 meaning on (or current flow). Its simple and easy to distinguish between the two. Interference or variations in voltages or current are negated because current is either flowing or it isnt. The amount of current doesnt matter too much as long as its above a certain level.
A computer using 0 - 9 (or 0 - ???) has been invented and actually came before modern digital computers. It is called an analog computer. The ammount of current flow determines how high the number is and can be vurtually infinite. The problem with analog computers is that interference and variations in voltage has a big effect on what that number is, so they arent as accurate as digital computers.
2006-09-02 09:06:07 · answer #2 · answered by justme 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Using 0& 1 is digital and 0 - 9 or infinite is Analog.
Digital calculation are a lot reliable and easier.. Simple answer
2006-09-02 09:14:57 · answer #3 · answered by Junk Head 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What would be the 2-9 all a computer knows is on/off it is either one or the other.
2006-09-02 08:31:56 · answer #4 · answered by CoCo-Puffs 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not sure what you are asking. If you are referring to the binary number system that computing is based on, it is limited to 2 values. These values (in computer systems) have their root in whether something (usually a switch) was in the on or off position.
2006-09-02 08:32:14 · answer #5 · answered by bill91173 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If u are referring to the binary system - 0 & 1 were chosen in the beginning. it doesnt matter what numbers you assign.
2006-09-02 08:32:56 · answer #6 · answered by HMG M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you can build computers around world
you go to the hp computers home page and build your computer then call to order it
10/10 for hp computers lol
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/compare_category.do?storeName=computer_store&category=desktops/hp_pavilion&catLevel=1
2006-09-02 08:37:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋