Binary-coded decimal Binary-coded decimal In computing and electronic systems, binary-coded decimal (BCD) is a class of binary encodings of decimal numbers where each decimal digit is represented by a fixed number of bits, usually four or eight. Special bit patterns are sometimes used for a sign or for other indications (e.g., error or overflow). In byte-oriented systems (i.e. most modern computers), the term "unpacked" BCD usually implies a full byte for each digit (often including a sign), whereas "packed" BCD typically encodes two decimal digits within a single byte by taking advantage of the fact that four bits are enough to represent
Byte (magazine) reminiscent of the Keystone Cops, "Byte" magazine finally has moved into separate offices of its own." Wayne Green was not happy about losing "Byte" magazine so he was going to start a new one called "Kilobyte". "Byte" quickly trademarked KILOBYTE as a cartoon series in "Byte" magazine. The new magazine was called "Kilobaud". There was competition and animosity between Byte Publications and 73 Inc. but both remained in the small town of Peterborough, New Hampshire. Articles in the first issue (September, 1975) included "Which Microprocessor For You?" by Hal Chamberlin, "Write Your Own Assembler" by Dan Fylstra and "Serial Interface"