How does data become usable information? How can it be misused?

How does data become usable information? How can it be misused?

Data is the plural form of “datum”, which is a Latin word meaning “something given”. The term data, in the context of classical computer science refers to numeric or any other form of information that is symbolized in ways which may be processed by the computer systems. Nevertheless, from the business perspective, data may be defined as independent of information technology. Data is defined in the Oxford dictionary as a fact which is known to be exist or to be true or to have actually happened. Stating simply, data represents various forms of facts regarding things. Data serves as the raw material for the order of deriving information as well as the foundation for taking smart and effective decisions and actions.

At the same time as data is a representation of something real existing in the world, the same data would be meaningless without a context or a descriptive definition. Considering that data is the raw material, it may be said that information is the final processed output. It may also be stated that information refers to “data in context” or the “usable data”. Information provides with the connotation of data for the raw facts to become understandable.

For instance, 16155551212 symbolizes a fact which exists and is true. However, it does not make any sense like this. This data would turn into understandable when a person is aware that +1 (615)555-1212 is actually the telephone number of information directory service for areas like Tennessee, Nashville, and others in the vicinity. 1 in this number denotes the country code, 615 denotes the area code, 555 denotes the telephone exchange, and 1212 is the telephone number within this exchange. On this way, the raw ...