Book excerpt: This book is directed toward readers seeking a concise introduction to binary numbers with an inclination toward understanding computer systems. The material presented can be used as a supplement for courses relevant to computer science and computer engineering anywhere from the high school level up to the college level. Several in-chapter and end-of-chapter exercises are included in order to ensure the interested reader is able to practice and fully internalize the topics presented. Depending upon the level of the reader and the rate at which the material is covered, the book topics can be mastered within a period of two to six weeks.