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Data
Technically, raw facts and figures, such as orders and payments, which are processed into information, such as balance due and quantity on hand. However, in common usage, the terms data and information are used synonymously.
The amount of data versus information kept in the computer is a tradeoff. Data can be processed into different forms of information, but it takes time to sort and sum transactions. Up-to-date information can provide instant answers.
A common misconception is that software is also data. Software is executed, or run, by the computer. Data is ""processed."" Software is ""run.""
(2) Any form of information whether in paper or electronic form. In electronic form, data refers to files and databases, text documents, images and digitally encoded voice and video.
(3) The plural form of datum.
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