data

data, data processing, jargon /day't*/ (Or "raw data")

Numbers, characters, images, or other method of recording,

in a form which can be assessed by a human or (especially)

input into a computer, stored and processed there, or

transmitted on some digital channel. Computers nearly

always represent data in binary.

Data on its own has no meaning, only when interpreted by some

kind of data processing system does it take on meaning and

become information.

People or computers can find patterns in data to perceive

information, and information can be used to enhance

knowledge. Since knowledge is prerequisite to wisdom, we

always want more data and information. But, as modern

societies verge on information overload, we especially need

better ways to find patterns.

1234567.89 is data.

"Your bank balance has jumped 8087% to $1234567.89" is

information.

"Nobody owes me that much money" is knowledge.

"I'd better talk to the bank before I spend it, because of

what has happened to other people" is wisdom.

(1999-04-30)