Data versus information - Essay Example

Computer data and information Data is the representation of information in a formalized manner suitable for communication, interpretation and processing, generally by a computer system (Millar, 1999). Modern day computers are referred to as being digital because they can only comprehend data as some combination of 1s and 0s. This 1s and 0s are known as binary digits or bits. The microprocessor which is the “brain” of a digital computer consists of trillions of small electrical circuits that are manipulated by electronic switches to be in either an on or off state depending on the data that is being processed by the computer.

When the electric circuit is on it represents a “1” and when it is off it represents a “0”. Thus when a computer is processing data the trillions of small electric circuits within the microprocessor are in various patterns of on and off states. Information, on the other hand, is knowledge that is communicated (Millar, 1999). Given that humans find it difficult and time-consuming to work with binary digits, computers are able to store, process and deliver data in various formats that are much easier for humans to comprehend.

Some of the data formats that computers give as output are: numbers, characters, graphics, digital audio and video, animation and multimedia (Scanlan, 2002). It from this combination of data formats that humans are able to derive meaning from the computer’s output. Of course before giving output, computers perform combinations, permutations or any other instructions that have been input by the user to manipulate data and create information. ReferenceMillar, L. (Ed.). (1999). Understanding computers: an overview for records and archives staff.

International Records Management Trust.Scanlan, C. (2002). Computer Data Formats - Overview. UMDNJ.edu. Retrieved January 29, 2012, from http://www.umdnj.edu/idsweb/idst3400/overview.htm