Definition of Data and Information

In terms of computing, data can be seen as quantities, characters or symbols. A computer is then able to perform operations on these items known as data.

What is Data and Information?

Data can be defined as raw facts while information is processed data. Data is the plural form of datum.

The data which an organization holds is a valuable resource. This is why every system, needs to pool all the data in its possession and control the data. This is called database management. The database prevents data from being duplicated, which could lead to a waste of storage space and inconsistency, in data items.

Duplication of data means duplication of efforts in maintaining the data. For example, schools hold information about their student’s records and results. Banks hold information about their customers.