IT Security - ECDL Course

Most of us use the words ‘data’ and ‘information’ to refer to the information which is handled by the computer. However, the two words have different meanings. 

We will explain the different meanings using the following example:
The 8-digit number 02062014 is ‘data’. However, when this number is interpreted as a date, then this number has a meaning and this will be referred to as ‘information’. The word ‘information’ is used to refer to the processed ‘data’.

Data is raw, unorganized facts that needs to be processed. Data can be something random and useless until it is organized. Data may be a collection of unprocessed numbers, text or images. When data is processed, organized, structured or presented in a given context so as to make it useful, it is called information. Information is the processed output of data making it meaningful to the person who receives it.