– There are a number of forms that data can take. Data can be:
– Numbers
– Words
– Images
– Sound
Topic 2 – Data and Information
What is data?
Data is raw information that has not yet been given a meaning or been put into context – recorded facts, numbers or events that have no meaning. Other forms of data can be images, videos and sound
- Numbers
- Images
- Sound
- Words
Where does it come from?
- Survey
- Experiment
- Transaction
Coding Data
- Takes less effort
- More data can appear on screen
- Less Storage
- Easier to validate
Encoding
Is the process of putting data into a specified format that allows effective transmission or storage by an ICT SYSTEM?
Why??:
- Compress
- Readability
Images:
- Vector,
- GIF
- JPEG
- TIFF
- Bitmapped
Sound:
- WAV
- MIDI
- MP3
- Shockwave Audio
DATA VS INFORMATION
Data: Has no meaning, raw values that are stored and processed. (E.g. £23,712, £28,932, £35,067)
Information: Informs you of something you did not already know.( E.g. The first three months of sales have steadily increased).
Information is data that has been:
- Processed
- Converted to give meaning
- Organised
Quality of Information
Accuracy – Credit Card Statements
How easy it is to understand – Sending a customer coded information
Relevance – Wanting a monthly breakdown of sales and you are given yearly
Up to date – Out of stock report printed on Monday used to make orders on Friday
Data Protection Act 1998 states that anyone who processes personal data must keep the data accurate and up to date