Definition: Bit


An abbreviation for a binary digit which can be either 0 or 1. A bit is the basic data unit of all digital computers. It is usually part of a data byte, or data word; however, a single bit can be used to control or read logic ON/OFF functions. A bit is a single digit in a binary number. Bits are the basic unit of information capacity on a computer storage device. Eight bits equal one byte.




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Data Recovery Fact

Shock damage

Shock to a hard drive may cause the platters to become displaced, or damage to heads or the magnetic coating of the platters. Dropping a hard drive may also damage the mechanics within the drive such as the motor. As a consequence, the drive is unable to position the heads correctly along the recorded signals. A shock may later lead to a head crash.

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