Computer Fundamentals 简明教程

Computer Fundamentals - Data and Information

What is Data?

数据是一种原材料；它是事实和数字的集合。由于其原始性质，数据没有实质性含义。数据可能包括文本、数字、事实、图像、数字、图表和符号，它可以从不同来源生成，如传感器、调查、交易、社交媒体等。

Data is a raw material; it’s a collection of facts and figures. Data does not have a significant meaning because of its raw nature. Data may include text, figures, facts, images, numbers, graphs, and symbols and it can be generated from different sources like sensors, surveys, transactions, social media etc.

G15、KPL 和 Gud 是数据的一些示例。需要对数据进行处理以转换为有用方式，这称为信息。例如 – Gud 是数据；在经过文本处理之后，它转换为 Good，即信息。

G15, KPL, and Gud are some examples of data. Data needs to be processed to convert into a useful manner which is known as information. For example – Gud is data; after text processing, it converts into Good which is information.

data

  1. Raw material

  2. Unstructured information

  3. It has no context

  4. Processed Data

  5. Structured information

  6. It has context

对数据的适当分析在研究、科学、商业、医疗、农业和技术等领域发挥着重要作用，推动着决策和创新。

A proper analysis of data plays an important role in fields like research, science, business, healthcare, agriculture, and technology, driving decision-making and innovation.

Characteristics of Data

不同类型的数据的一些特征如下所述 −

Some characteristics of different types of data are as follows −

Type of Data

Characteristics

Quantitative Data

It’s in numerical nature.It can be measured and quantified like height, weight, temperature, etc.This type of data can be analysed using statistical methods.

Qualitative / Descriptive Data

It is descriptive.It can be explored using colours, textures, opinions or any other related feature.It’s often subjective which requires interpretation.It can be categorical or ordinal.

Structured Data

It is organized in a predefined structure and usually includes a tabular form like databases, or spreadsheets.Easy to searchIt can be analysed using standard tools like SQL.Allows performing queries to insert, delete and update.

Unstructured Data

It lacks a predefined structure.It does not have a pre-defined structure.It may include text documents, social media posts, images, videos, etc.It is difficult to analyse using traditional methods.It processes using advanced techniques like natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, etc.

Big Data

Data are bigger.It is complex and processes using traditional data processing applications.It has five V’s to identify i.e. volume, velocity, variety, veracity, and value.

Metadata

It gives information on data about data.It includes data dictionaries, file descriptions, tags, etc.It gives a direction to understand, manage, and improve data search ability and usability.

Streaming Data

It is continuously generated and transmitted in a real-time environment like sensor data, social media updates, financial market data, etc.It requires real-time data processing.It often uses applications like IoT, real-time analytics, etc.

Types of Data

Types of Data

Quantitative data

It’s available in numerical form, like 50 Kg, 165 cm, 15887 etc.

Discrete Data

Data that take certain values like whole numbers. For example, the number of employees in a department.

Continuous Data

Data that can take any value within a range. For example, wind speed, and temperature. For example - Over time, certain continuous data, such as the weight of the baby over the year changes or the temperature in the room during the day changes.

Qualitative data

It’s available in a descriptive form for example name, gender, address, and features of a person.

Nominal Data

Data that represents categories with no inherent order. For example, colours, and gender.

Ordinal Data

Data that represents categories with a specific order or ranking. For example, ranking satisfaction levels as "poor," "average," or "excellent."

Categorical Data

The data which represents categories or labels and is often qualitative is called categorical data. It can include nominal and ordinal data.

Numerical Data

This type of data includes numbers. It can be either quantitative or qualitative.

Time Series Data

Data collected over time intervals like stock prices, weather data, and sales figures.

Spatial Data

Data associated with geographic locations like Google maps, GPS data, and satellite images.

What is Information?

信息是经过处理的数据。它总是很有用，并用于决策制定。对特定事物拥有大量信息的人始终被认为是知识渊博的人。因此，良好的信息基础始终形成良好的知识基础，而良好的知识基础有助于做出健康或富有成效的决策。

Information is processed data. It is always useful and used in decision-making. A person who has a lot of information about a particular thing is always considered a knowledgeable person. Hence, a good information base always makes a good knowledge base and a good knowledge base helps to make healthy or fruitful decisions.

Characteristics of Information

信息的总体特征如下 -

General Characteristics of Information are as follows −

  1. It is effective and complete to make decisions.

  2. True information is broad in scope.

  3. Information relates to the current situation and has an acceptable level of integrity.

  4. Information is always compatible with response time.

  5. Information is concise and does not contain delicacy.

  6. Information is precise and accurate.

  7. Information is always relevant.

  8. Information can be verifiable.

  9. Information contains facts; that can be shared for making fruitful decisions.

  10. Information is organised and stored for future reference.

Differences Between Data vs Information

S.No

Data

Information

1

Data is a raw material

It’s processed data

2

It is meaningless

It is meaningful

3

Is not use in decision-making

Uses in decision-making

4

Data does not rely on information

The information relies on data

5

Data is a collection of facts

Information kept facts in context

6

Data is unorganized

Information is organized

7

Data is represented in the form of graphs, numbers, figures, or statistics

Information is presented in the form of words, language, thoughts, and ideas.

8

Data does not have context

Information has context

9

It can be considered as a single unit that is unprocessed

It is a product and a collection of data

10

It is measured in bytes and bits.

It is measured using meaningful units like concerning quantity and time