data
/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)