32 Chapter 2 Digital Data
redundant data in the bit stream, which increases data storage requirements. It also
dramatically improves reliability. CD audio discs devote approximately one third of their
storage to error detection and correction.
2.8 Advantages of Digital Information
A computer is a revolutionary form of machine because in principle it is universal—it can
become virtually any kind of information processing device. By changing the computer’s
instructions, or program, we can instantly change it from a word processor to a photo
editor, to a graphing calculator, to a game station, and so on, indefinitely.
Computers can also control the delivery of analog information. For instance, comput-
ers have been used to control tape ...