Data (the plural of datum) are the raw material from which the information is derived. Information is data that have been collected and processed into a meaningful form. Said in another way, information is the meaning we give to accumulated facts (data). Computers are very good at digesting and producing information.

We routinely deal with concepts of data and information in our everyday experiences. We use data to produce information to help us make decisions. For example, when we wake up in the morning, we collect two pieces of data. We look at the clock, then recall from memory the time our first class begins. Then, we subtract the current time of class. This mental computation provides information on how much time we have to get ready and go. Based on in this information, we make a decision to hurry up or to relax ant take it easy. We produce information from data to help us make decisions for thousands of situations each day.

Data are all around us. We as members of the information society, are continuously generating data.

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