2006-09-10 06:21:28 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Programming & Design
Easier and Cheaper.
The reason computers use the base-2 system is because it makes it a lot easier to implement them with current electronic technology (ON/OFF).
You could wire up and build computers that operate in base-10, but it would be very expensive. On the other hand, base-2 computers are relatively cheap
2006-09-10 06:24:19 · answer #1 · answered by ami 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While the answers so far describe the symptom, they dont discover the cause.
Sure its because computers are logic machines, made of logic electronics, but why is that binary?
its all to do with measurement and noise, the input to one logic device has to measure the input level and make a decision on that measurement
lets say it uses 3 levels, that would be low, middle and high voltage (or current), there would have to be a set transition from low to middle and one for middle to high.
that would require finer measurement and less tollerance of noise (meaning more errors or slower operation)
so, whats the trade-off?
the benefits of more detail with more logic levels is outweighed by the speed from simplicity
also a simpler (2 level) system can be built much smaller, giving the chance for many binary circuits in the same space as 1 trinary circuit
2006-09-10 13:34:55 · answer #2 · answered by a tao 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Human can use decimal system for count something because they have 10 different symbols to show numbers or do their calculations (from 0 to 9 ). In computer world, number 0 and 1 can be used as symbols to count something or do calculations. Because computer can only recognize 2 states
state Off or 0 ( when computer doesn't see t voltage)
state On, or 1 ( when computer detect the presence of a voltage)
Do you know any other way to come up with a third symbols for PC?
2006-09-10 13:32:19 · answer #3 · answered by TX-Man88 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because using a base 10 would make things much too simple for a computer. you can't really do anything. plus, the binary system is what makes it work.
2006-09-10 13:23:47 · answer #4 · answered by laurlai 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
A computer is nothing but a electronic circuit.
An electronic circuit is full of flipflops and latches and they have only two states ON or OFF
ON - 1
OFF - 0
which is nothing but Binary Language
2006-09-10 13:25:24 · answer #5 · answered by chharsha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Computers only know two things..."on" and "off."
Binary code 1=on and 0=off.
2006-09-10 13:24:06 · answer #6 · answered by Mr. G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A computer has only 2 fingers.
2006-09-10 13:34:47 · answer #7 · answered by Chri R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because its based on electrical impulses. and with out a variable frequency it must only be on or off. or 1 or 0
2006-09-10 13:23:15 · answer #8 · answered by gsschulte 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because computers are a yes/no on/off operation. they dont really know anything computers just know that "if" this happens, then "do this. black or white, yes or no, up or down, on or off. its that simple.
2006-09-10 13:23:39 · answer #9 · answered by Bistro 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because there are only 2 electrical charges positive and negative, or "on off".
2006-09-10 13:23:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋