Bits and Data Representation

Binary Representation

Computers store and process data in binary (0s and 1s).

Octal

A base-8 number system (digits 0-7), often used in computing as a shorthand for binary.

Hexadecimal

A base-16 number system (digits 0-9, A-F), used for memory addresses and color codes.

ASCII

A character encoding system using 7-bit binary values for text representation.

UNICODE

A universal character encoding standard supporting multiple languages and symbols.

Data

Information stored and processed by a computer.

Metadata

Data about data, such as file size or creation date.

RGB

A color model where different intensity levels of red, green, and blue create various colors.

Steganography

A technique for hiding data within other data, such as embedding text in an image.

Lossy Compression

Reduces file size by discarding some data (e.g., JPEG, MP3).

Lossless Compression

Preserves all data, allowing perfect reconstruction (e.g., PNG, FLAC).

Digital Footprint

Data left behind intentionally, e.g., social media posts.

Digital Fingerprint

Data collected without the user’s knowledge, e.g., website tracking.

What is the distinction between lossy and lossless compression?

Lossy compression reduces file size by discarding some data, while lossless compression preserves all data.

Which compression type would you use for a brain surgery image?

Lossless compression, as important details must be preserved.

The red component (220) is the highest, making the color appear mostly red.

What is the effect of the RGB color (220, 65, 43)?

What is privacy according to Warren and Brandeis?

Privacy is the right to be left alone.

What stands in tension with privacy rights in the United States?

Freedom of speech.