INFORMATION
Information is stimuli that has meaning in some context for its receiver. When information is entered into and stored in a computer, it is generally referred to as data. After processing (such as formatting and printing), output data can again be perceived as information. When information is packaged or used for understanding or doing something, it is known as knowledge.
- Types of information system For most businesses, there are a variety of requirements for information. Senior managers need information to help with their business planning. Middle management need more detailed information to help them monitor and control business activities. Employees with operational roles need information to help them carry out their duties. As a result, businesses tend to have several "information systems" operating at the same time. This revision note highlights the main categories of information system and provides some examples to help you distinguish between them. Read More The difference between Data and Information? It is important that you understand the difference between "data" and "information" Data Think of data as a "raw material" - it needs to be processed before it can be turned into something useful. Hence the need for "data processing". Data comes in many forms - numbers, words, symbols. Data relates to transactions, events and facts. On its own - it is not very useful. Information The above example demonstrates what information is. Information is data that has been processed in such a way as to be meaningful to the person who receives it. Note the two words highlighted in red - "processed" and "meaningful". It is not enough for data simply to be processed. it has to be of use to someone - otherwise why bother?! Uses of Information in a Business Businesses and other organizations need information for many purposes: we have summarized the five main uses in the table below. Read More Sources of data and information Data and information come from many sources - both internal (inside the business) and external. This revision note summarises the main sources: Read More Methods of data storage Data storage is the holding of data in an electromagnetic form for access by a computer processor. There are two main kinds of storage: Primary storage is data that is held in in random access memory (RAM) and other memory devices that are built into computers. Secondary storage is data that is stored on external storage devices such as hard disks, tapes, CD's. Read More Click here to try a practice exercise. |
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