ABBREVIATIONS & ACRONYMS – KB, MB, GB & HD


ABBREVIATIONS & ACRONYMS –
KB, MB, GB & HD

KB, MB, GB and HD are among abbreviations and acronyms we often these days in connection with computers and cell-phones.  Let us learn of their full meaning in this article.
KB or Kb
Meaning:
The acronym KB or Kb in GSM and computer language stands for Kilobyte.  The size of a data file is often measured in kilobytes, and a kilobyte is 1,024 bytes.  A byte is a chunk of bits or a combination of bits used to represent information.  There are usually eight (8) bits in byte.
To help us understand how many plain letters and words constitute a byte, and how many constitute a kilobyte, some computer experts like Erika Q. Stokes and others, have provided the following yardsticks:
(1)    That if the letter ‘M’ is typed, followed by a space, and repeated across a whole page of A4-size paper (with provision for normal margins), we would have 3,129 bytes which is equal to 3.055 kilobytes;
(2)    That if the letter ‘o’ is typed, followed by a space, and repeated across a whole page of A4-size paper (with allowance for normal margins), we would have 4,177 bytes which is equal to 4.079 kilobytes; and
(3)    If the letter ‘i’ is typed, followed by a space, and repeated across a whole page of A4-size paper (leaving out spaces for normal margins), we would have 5,760 bytes which is equal to 5.63 kilobytes.
It should be noted however, that while much plain text translates into few kilobytes,  photographs or scanned items translate into substantial kilobytes.
Examples of Usage of the acronym KB:
(i)                The reference letter given to me is 12.6 KB.
(ii)             On the average, how many KB (kilobyte) is Kayoma Imene’s weekly article for her ‘Love, Women and Lifestyle’ column?
(iii)           DELSU requires its candidates to complete forms online with their passport-size photographs scanned in JPEG format, not more than 20 KB in size.
MB
Meaning:
The acronym MB in GSM and computer language stands for Megabyte.  A megabyte is equal to 1,024 kilobytes or 1,048,576 bytes.  Most subscribed data bundles for browsing are given in MBs, and the sizes of collection of files within folders are often measured in MBs.   Also, scanned pages, in their full sizes, are often measured in MBs.
To have a clearer understanding of the data size of a megabyte, please note that 500 pages of double-spaced, plain text is equal to 1 (one) megabyte (MB).
Examples of Usage of the acronym MB:
(i)                John got 300 MBs data bundle for his N1,000.00 Glo subscription.
(ii)             The scanned survey plan for the building site is 4.93 MB.
(iii)           The scholarly article together with the graphics therein, is 15.4 MB.
GB
GB in GSM and computer language stands for Gigabyte.  A gigabyte is equivalent to 1,024 megabytes.  Gigabyte is usually used to measure the memory capacity of most storage devices like hard drives, memory cards, ipods etc.  Some flash-drives are 1 GB, some 1.5 GB, some 2 GB and others are of higher capacities.
Examples of Usage of the acronym GB:
(i)                The Editor was given an expensive flash-drive of 4.5 GB as a souvenir.
(ii)             The ICT Manager said that there is a new type of flash-drive in the market now, which is 10 GB.
(iii)           The General Manager has ordered for a memory card of 6.4 GB for his secretary.
HD or HDD
Meaning:
HD in computer terminology stands for Hard Disk.  It is also called HDD which stands for Hard Disk Drive.  This is a data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information, using one or more rigid (hard) rapidly rotating disks or platters coated with magnetic material. The disks or platters are paired with magnetic heads arranged on a moving actuator arm, which read and write data to the platter surfaces during operation.  HDs or HDDs retain stored information even when they are powered off.
HDs or HDDs can be used internally and externally i.e. both inside and outside computer casings.

  Examples of Usage of the acronym HD or HDD:
(i)             “Please buy a Dell HD of 500 GB for me”, Jonathan beseeched his colleague, Jonah.
(ii)             Some HDs are SATA model while others are IDE model.
(iii)           Computer users who handle large data are often advised to use external HDs for back-up and retrieval of their information in the event of crash.  


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