Ask the Teacher - 15th September 2014

Q: Why do we use only 1 and 0?
A: 1 and 0 are used in computing as a mathematical abstraction to denote the physical state of a logic gate. Either representing “On” or “Off” (True or False, 1 or 0).
This is a base 2 number system (0 and 1) as opposed to our base 10 system (0-9). The computer uses binary to represent numbers and letters. 1s and 0s are used as they  easily represent On or Off which is how digital electronic circuitry works.
Please see the links below for a more detailed explanation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary_number
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_4/chpt_3/1.html

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a ring network?
A: Here is a list of both advantages and disadvantages: http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse_new/networks/topologies/miniweb/pg3.htm
You can also check out our video on topologies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHu-Ozg_D0g  

Q: Is there any unit greater than terabyte?
A: Yes there is. The next measurement is a petabyte (1 000 000 000 000 000 bytes) and then there is an exabyte (1 000 000 000 000 000 000 bytes), a zettabyte (1 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 bytes) and a yottabyte (1 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 bytes).