Learn and explore computer basics, its history, hardware, software, number systems, and the anatomy of a computer.

Computer Science Bootcamp

This module covers the basics of computers and delves into software development. We’ll start by studying the essentials of computers, including their history, hardware, and software. Next, we’ll explore information representation and number systems, including the binary representation of text, colors, and images. Then, we’ll understand the anatomy of a computer, from logic gates to input/output devices, memory, and the central processing unit. Finally, we’ll dive deep into the software side of computers, including computer programming, the lifecycle of a program, and software application development. By the end of this module, we’ll have gained foundational skills to advance our careers in computer technology.

Computing Basics

## What is the binary system?

The decimal system leverages the fact that humans have ten fingers to count with. The binary system does something similar in the case of computers. 

An essential component of computers is the **transistor**, which has two states, on and off. These are sometimes also referred to as high and low states, and correspond to the presence or absence of voltage. Each state can be represented using one of two symbols—$0$ and $1$—resulting in a numbering system with base 2.

The binary system is a two-base system.

The base digits for the binary system are simple: 0 to represent a low state and 1 to represent a high state.

### Place value

Like in the decimal system, the rules for representing a number in binary come from the place values of the digits.  We know that the rule was that place values correspond to ascending powers of $10$ from right to left.

> **Note**: For the binary system, the rule is that—you guessed it—place values correspond to ascending powers of  $2$ from right to left.

> **Note:** Recall that binary digits are referred to as bits.

### MSB and LSB

**MSB** is the **most significant bit**. It is the leftmost bit of a binary number and the one with the largest place values. Similarly, the **LSB**, or **least significant bit**, is the rightmost bit and the one with a place value of $1$. 
The same symbol 1 in different places can have different values. For example, in $001$, the MSB is $0$, and in $100$, the MSB is $1$ and vice versa for LSB.
These terms make referring to binary numbers easier and can also be used to talk about groups of bits. For example, we can say "four least significant bits" to refer to the four right most bits in our number.

# What is the binary system?

The decimal system leverages the fact that humans have ten fingers to count with. The binary system does something similar in the case of computers. 

An essential component of computers is the **transistor**, which has two states, on and off. These are sometimes also referred to as high and low states, and correspond to the presence or absence of voltage. Each state can be represented using one of two symbols—$0$ and $1$—resulting in a numbering system with base 2.

The binary system is a two-base system.

## Place value

Like in the decimal system, the rules for representing a number in binary come from the place values of the digits.  We know that the rule was that place values correspond to ascending powers of $10$ from right to left.

> **Note**: For the binary system, the rule is that—you guessed it—place values correspond to ascending powers of  $2$ from right to left.

## MSB and LSB

**MSB** is the **most significant bit**. It is the leftmost bit of a binary number and the one with the largest place values. Similarly, the **LSB**, or **least significant bit**, is the rightmost bit and the one with a place value of $1$. 
The same symbol 1 in different places can have different values. For example, in $001$, the MSB is $0$, and in $100$, the MSB is $1$ and vice versa for LSB.
These terms make referring to binary numbers easier and can also be used to talk about groups of bits. For example, we can say "four least significant bits" to refer to the four right most bits in our number.

Get introduced to the base symbols and representation rules of the binary system.

Introduction

Computer Basics

Binary System

Essential Number Systems

Binary Arithmetic

Using Binary to Represent Information

Getting to Know Computers

The Software - Computer Programming

Building a Software Application

Conclusion

Introduction to the Binary System

What is the binary system?

Base digits

Place value

MSB and LSB