Binary data basics for support technicians How many bits constitute one byte in modern computing practice?

Introduction / Context:
Understanding digital units is fundamental for storage, networking, and diagnostics. The byte is the standard atomic unit for addressing and memory operations across virtually all contemporary platforms.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to the conventional definition used in modern architectures and standards.
• Historical exceptions (e.g., 6-bit or 9-bit bytes) are not in scope for today’s PCs.

Concept / Approach:

A byte equals 8 bits. This standardization underpins octet-based networking (OSI, IP), character encodings (ASCII, UTF-8), and memory buses. Eight bits allow values from 0 to 255, enabling compact representation of characters and small integers.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Standards such as RFCs use the term “octet” explicitly to denote 8 bits, reinforcing the equivalence with byte in most contexts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

16 and 10 describe word sizes in some contexts, not bytes. 255 is the maximum 8-bit unsigned value, not a count of bits. “2 to the 9th power” equals 512 and is unrelated to a byte's bit count.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing the 8-bit value range (0–255) with the number of bits; conflating historical non-standard “byte” sizes with the modern definition.

Final Answer:

8.