Final answer:
The basic unit of the binary number system is a bit, which can be either a 0 or a 1. Bits are fundamental for data storage, processing in computers, and digital data transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic unit of the binary number system is b) a bit. A bit is the smallest unit of data in computing and digital communications, which can have a value of either 0 or 1. Bits are the foundation upon which all binary-based systems are built, including how data is stored and processed within computers, and how information is transmitted across digital networks.
It's important to note that while the bit is the smallest unit, a byte, which consists of 8 bits, is typically the basic unit of computer memory. Therefore, when talking about one million bytes, which may refer to computer memory, we use the term megabyte (MB).