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They don't! The 1s and 0s are simply how we interpret the data stored inside a computer. There are no numbers as such inside a computer but in order to store data inside a computer we need to speak the same language as the computer. The only language the computer knows is machine code, which is a binary encoded language, thus the easiest way for humans to notate these binary codes is with the digits 0 and 1. In other words, the 0s and 1s are purely a notational convenience.

Binary codes can be represented using any two distinct symbols. Yes and no, true and false, black and white, or positive and negative are all equally valid representations however these concepts are far too abstract for a computer to understand. We need something more basic, something physical that can be easily represented by electronic means.

A computer's working memory consists of a vast array of cells where every cell has a capacitor and a transistor. The transistor is primarily used to rapidly fill or drain the capacitor of a small electric charge and thus provides us with our two binary representations (1 if full, 0 if empty). Unfortunately, the capacitor cannot hold its charge for long; it will drain away within a few milliseconds of being filled. This is not much use to us because in order to provide a memory we need to maintain state as will as switch states. Fortunately, the transistor can detect how much charge is currently in the capacitor, so if it is above a certain level the transistor can simply refill it. This is achieved through a memory refresh which has to occur at a rate such that capacitors that were filled upon the last refresh cycle still hold enough charge to register for a refill upon the next refresh. Now we have a memory that can maintain state.

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What is a binary float?

It is the way computers store irrational numbers. e.g. in a 4-byte binary float, which contains 32 digits of 0 and 1. the first digit says whether the number stored is positive or negative. The next 8 digits store the value of the power of 10 when the number is in scientific notation, and the remaining 23 digits store the actual digits of the number.


Where do they use hexadecimal system?

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What are number systems use in computer to store data and perform calculations?

Binary number system ,which has only two digits 0 and 1.


What Numbers that computers use to store and process data?

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What two numbers use to store all of a computers data?

0 (Zero) and 1 (One) are the two digits used in Binary code, which is the lowest form of code usable by a computer.


How do computers store programs and data?

All information (programs and data) is stored upon a mass storage device, such as a hard-disk drive, from where they can be loaded into working memory as and when required. In order to actually store the information, it must be converted to a binary representation.


What number do computers use as a basis to store data?

I'm assuming you're asking about binary code, which uses combinations of just two digits - 0 and 1 - to encode electronic information.


Why do digital computer use binary number system?

Binary numbers have only 2 digits, 0 and 1. Binary came from a need to represent information based in magnetics that only offer an "on" or "off" state. Decimal numbers have 10 digits, 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9. Decimal numbers came about from humans having 10 fingers to count with. Once they reach 10, they start reusing fingers (digits). When humans count to 3, they count to their 3rd digit. Here's how to count to 3 in binary, which only has 2 digits: 01,10,11 Here's counting to 7 in decimal: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Here's counting to 7 in binary: 001,010,011,100,101,110,111 All of the mathematics done in decimal can be done in binary. No matter how fancy computers get, the bottom line is they have to store and manipulate information at a physical level, something physical must store all of that information. In computers, that physical storage is magnetic. All information is stored and manipulated at the lowest level as a combination of large binary values, large combinations of "on" and "off". Scientists are inventing new ways to store information in computers, so perhaps in time computer storage won't be limited to binary values.


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