Terminology clarity: Most computers store data in strings of how many bits, and what is such a unit commonly called?

Introduction / Context:
Precise terminology matters in digital systems. Although “word” and “byte” are sometimes conflated in casual speech, they have distinct meanings. This question checks whether you know the standard size and name for the fundamental addressable unit on most contemporary computer architectures and interfaces.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A byte is widely standardized as 8 bits.
• A word is architecture-dependent (commonly 16, 32, or 64 bits).
• Many buses, memories, and protocols address or align data on byte boundaries.

Concept / Approach:
The byte (8 bits) is the de facto universal basic unit for data storage and transfer, especially at the software and ISA levels. While early systems varied, the modern computing ecosystem—from filesystems and networking to instruction sets—assumes an 8-bit byte. The term “word” refers to the natural register size of a CPU and varies by architecture.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Inspect any modern ISA or programming language definition: char is typically 8 bits; memory addresses index bytes; network protocols count octets (another name for 8-bit bytes).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming “word” equals “byte” on all systems; ignoring historical exceptions where byte size differed; overlooking the term “octet”.

Final Answer:
8, byte