Binary Numbers. You’ve probably heard of binary numbers. The language your computer speaks fluently. While we humans are used to the decimal system, where numbers range from 0 to 9 and the highest digit is 10, computers think in a much simpler way.
Today, let’s take a closer look at the binary number system, learn how to convert numbers from decimal to binary and back again, and understand how these tiny signals are at the core of your computer’s functionality.
The Binary Numbers System.
Computers use the binary system, which is based on just two digits: 0 and 1. The highest “digit” here is 2, meaning every number is a combination of only zeros and ones.
If your computer displayed data in raw binary, the screen would be filled with long strings of 0s and 1s, making it incredibly tedious to interpret. Fortunately, programmers and hardware designers ensure that what you see on your screen is clear, familiar, and easy to understand.
Binary Numbers and Their Close Relatives.
When developing software, programmers often use not only binary, but also octal (base-8) and hexadecimal (base-16) number systems. While you write code using these formats, the computer automatically converts everything into binary behind the scenes.
Octal numbers range from 0 to 7. The highest single digit is 8.
Hexadecimal numbers range from 0 to 9 and continue with the letters A (10), B (11), C (12), D (13), E (14), and F (15). The system’s base is 16.
Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD)
In BCD notation, each decimal digit is represented by a four-bit binary number. For example, the decimal number 311 would be written in binary as 100110111, but in BCD as 0011 0001 0001.
When you solve a math problem on a computer, you type the numbers in decimal form, but the computer stores and processes them using binary-coded decimal. Calculations are performed in binary, and the results are then converted back to decimal for display on your screen — all within fractions of a second.
Converting from Decimal to Binary.
Let’s walk through a simple example: converting the decimal number 117 into binary. The process involves repeatedly dividing the number by 2, writing down the remainder, and continuing until you reach zero:
117 ÷ 2 = 58 remainder 1
58 ÷ 2 = 29 remainder 0
29 ÷ 2 = 14 remainder 1
14 ÷ 2 = 7 remainder 0
7 ÷ 2 = 3 remainder 1
3 ÷ 2 = 1 remainder 1
1 ÷ 2 = 0 remainder 1 (stop here)
Now, write the remainders in reverse order: 1110101 — this is 117 in binary.
Verifying Your Conversion
To check if the conversion is correct, you can calculate the value like this:
1×2⁶ + 1×2⁵ + 1×2⁴ + 0×2³ + 1×2² + 0×2¹ + 1×2⁰ = 117
Easy and fun, right?
Computer Malfunctions and Beep Codes.
Ever noticed your computer beeping or flashing its LEDs, especially during startup? Those beeps and lights are actually its way of signaling whether all systems are functioning properly.
Here are some common beep codes:
One short beep — Everything is fine.
Two or three short beeps — Memory (RAM) error.
One long beep followed by two or three short beeps — Graphics card problem.
LED Status Indicators.
Many computers also use indicator lights to give you information at a glance:
- Power Supply LED — Indicates the computer is receiving power.
- Keyboard LEDs — Blink briefly during startup to confirm readiness.
- Hard Drive Activity LED — Flashes when the hard drive is working.
- Optical Drive LED — Lights up when reading or writing a CD/DVD.
Newer computers often skip optical drives entirely, as USB drives (“flash drives”) have mostly replaced them.
For laptops, additional indicators include:
- Charger LED — Shows if the battery is charging.
- Wi-Fi Indicator — Shows if the wireless adapter is active.
- Webcam LED — Indicates if the camera is on.
BIOS Error Messages.
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the first program that runs when you power on your computer. It performs a hardware check and will display an error message if something is wrong — knowing how to read these messages can save you time and stress.
Preventive Maintenance, Better Safe Than Sorry
It’s often said that prevention is better than cure — and that holds true for computers, too. Some of the biggest threats to hardware lifespan include:
Overheating:
High temperatures are a major cause of hardware failure. Components like processors, graphics cards, hard drives, and power supplies all generate heat. Below are recommended maximum temperatures:
Component Max Temperature.
- Processor 65°C; 149 degrees Fahrenheit
- Hard Drive (HDD) 55°C; 131 degrees Fahrenheit
- Case Interior 45°C; 113 degrees Fahrenheit
- Power Supply 99°C; 210.2 degrees Fahrenheit
Dust: Dust buildup blocks airflow, reduces cooling efficiency, and can even cause electrical short circuits. Regular cleaning is essential, especially if your PC sits on the floor or in a dusty environment.
Maintenance Tips
If your home has air filters, they can help reduce dust, but if not, plan for occasional manual cleaning. Compressed air is the safest and easiest way to clear out dust. If you’re confident with basic computer hardware, you can do this yourself otherwise, it’s worth asking a professional for help.
Wishing you a smooth and trouble-free computing experience!
Have a Great Day!
