In a computer, all data is represented by bits. Each bit is a 1 or 0 and can represent, say Yes or No, True or Untrue, North or South, Mustard or Relish, etc. Several bits are put together to represent numbers. Eight 8 bits together are called a byte (i.e. Mustard Relish Relish Mustard Mustard Mustard Relish Mustard); four bits a nibblet (Relish Mustard Relish Mustard); 16 bits are called a mouthful. At least that's what my girlfriend says. (Note: in Europe, we use centimetres, not inches, so this may not be too impressive.)