What Is Data?
In computing, data is described as raw, unorganized facts or variables which help to develop ideas or conclusions. Generally data comprises facts, observations, perceptions numbers, characters, symbols images etc. Data is in raw form and does not carry a specific logical meaning and cannot be used for decision making. However, when these data are interpreted and processed to determine its true meaning, they become useful and can be referred to as information.
Data is the name given to basic facts and entities such as names and numbers. The main examples of data are weights, prices, costs, numbers of items sold, employee names, product names, addresses, tax codes, registration marks etc.
Computers represent data, including video, images, sounds and text as binary values using patterns of just two numbers: 1 and 0. A bit is the smallest unit of data and represents just a single value. A byte is eight binary digits long. Storage and memory is measured in megabytes and gigabytes.
What You Need To Know About Data
- Data can be described as raw, unorganized facts or variables which help to develop ideas or conclusions.
- Data could be in the form of character, letters, numbers or anything.
- Data is collected based on observations and records which are stored in computers or simply in papers or by some other means.
- Data is in raw form and does not carry a specific logical meaning.
- Data on its own does not carry any significance.
- Data may or may not be useful because it may also consist of irrelevant data.
- Data is measured in bits or bytes or kilobytes and so on.
- Data cannot be used for decision making.
- Data is the property of an organization and is most often unavailable for sale to the public.
- Data is never designed to the specific need of the user.
- Data does not depend on information. It depends upon other sources for collection.
- Data can be structured, in tabular form, graphical, or in the form of data tree.
- Data needs to be interpreted and analyzed.
- Data can be interpreted incorrectly and results to erroneous conclusions.
Also Read: Difference Between Cache And Cookies
What Is Information?
Information is a set of data which is processed in a meaningful way according to the given requirement. Information is processed, structured or presented in a given context to make it meaningful and useful. Information is always specific to the requirements and expectations of the user because all the irrelevant facts and figures are removed during the transformation process. In other words, it assigns meaning and improves the reliability of the data.
Information does not require analysis and interpretation, it only requires understanding. Information helps human beings in their decision making process. It should be noted that information may further be processed and/or manipulated to form knowledge. Information containing wisdom is referred to as knowledge.
Examples of information:
- Time Table
- Merit list
- Report card
- Headed tables
- Printed documents
- Pay slips
- Receipts
- Reports
What You Need To Know About Information
- When data is processed, organized, structured or presented in a given context so as to make it useful, it is then referred to as information.
- Information is processed and interpreted data.
- Information is obtained after proper analysis of data is conducted.
- Information is in an organized form and carries a logical meaning.
- Information on its own carry a lot of significance.
- It is useful and valuable as it is inferred from data.
- Information is measured on the aspect of time and quality.
- Information is widely used for decision making.
- Information is most often available for sale to the public.
- Information is always specific to the requirements and expectations of the user because all the irrelevant facts and figures are removed during the transformation process.
- Information depends on data. It cannot exist without data.
- Information can be in the form of language, ideas and thoughts.
- Information does not require analysis and interpretation, it only requires understanding.
- Information can be misunderstood and result to poor decision making.
Also Read: Difference Between Operational And Information System
Difference Between Data And Information In Tabular Form
| BASIS OF COMPARISON | DATA | INFORMATION |
| Description | Data can be described as raw, unorganized facts or variables which help to develop ideas or conclusions. | When data is processed, organized, structured or presented in a given context so as to make it useful, it is then referred to as information. |
| Form | Data could be in the form of character, letters, numbers or anything. | Information is processed and interpreted data. |
| Collection | Data is collected based on observations and records which are stored in computers or simply in papers or by some other means. | Information is obtained after proper analysis of data is conducted. |
| Logical Meaning | Data is in raw form and does not carry a specific logical meaning. | Information is in an organized form and carries a logical meaning. |
| Significance | Data on its own does not carry any significance. | Information on its own carry a lot of significance. |
| Usefulness | Data may or may not be useful because it may also consist of irrelevant data. | It is useful and valuable as it is inferred from data. |
| Measurement | Data is measured in bits or bytes or kilobytes and so on. | Information is measured on the aspect of time and quality. |
| Decision Making | Data cannot be used for decision making. | Information is widely used for decision making. |
| Availability | Data is the property of an organization and is most often unavailable for sale to the public. | Information is most often available for sale to the public. |
| Specificity | Data is never designed to the specific need of the user. | Information is always specific to the requirements and expectations of the user because all the irrelevant facts and figures are removed during the transformation process. |
| Description | Data does not depend on information. It depends upon other sources for collection. | Information depends on data. It cannot exist without data. |
| Form | Data can be structured, in tabular form, graphical, or in the form of data tree. | Information can be in the form of language, ideas and thoughts. |
| Analysis And Interpretation | Data needs to be interpreted and analyzed. | Information does not require analysis and interpretation, it only requires understanding. |
| Disadvantage | Data can be interpreted incorrectly and results to erroneous conclusions. | Information can be misunderstood and result to poor decision making. |
Also Read: Difference Between Structured And Unstructured Data