The first thing to understand is that everything a machine does, all its complex thoughts, all of the permutations of data and everthing it can do comes down to this.
Zero, and one.
That is it. That's all. Everything a machine - at least, a human machine - is capable of doing is based on that fundamental principle of the binary number. Ultimately, the ones and zeros represent states, or switches. One is on, zero is off. Create a complex enough series of switches, and you can express anything. Sequences of switches express different ideas and concepts depending on what those switches turn on or off. But, ultimately, even the most complex machine is based on this very simple fundamental principle. I have no doubt that by now you've seen films that create miraculous creatures with computer imagery, seen what the various AI in this city can do, or even the little conveniences of these things
[gestures at his comm device]
But all of it, from the lowliest microchip to power a calculator right up to the so-called Queen herself is based on this single, simple concept. Zero and one. On and off. Active and inactive.
no subject
Zero, and one.
That is it. That's all. Everything a machine - at least, a human machine - is capable of doing is based on that fundamental principle of the binary number. Ultimately, the ones and zeros represent states, or switches. One is on, zero is off. Create a complex enough series of switches, and you can express anything. Sequences of switches express different ideas and concepts depending on what those switches turn on or off. But, ultimately, even the most complex machine is based on this very simple fundamental principle. I have no doubt that by now you've seen films that create miraculous creatures with computer imagery, seen what the various AI in this city can do, or even the little conveniences of these things
[gestures at his comm device]
But all of it, from the lowliest microchip to power a calculator right up to the so-called Queen herself is based on this single, simple concept. Zero and one. On and off. Active and inactive.
Do you follow?