information (redirected from informational)

information, in law: see indictment.

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Information is the summarization of data. Technically, data are raw facts and figures that are processed into information, such as summaries and totals. But since information can also be the raw data for the next job or person, the two terms cannot be precisely defined, and both are used interchangeably.

It may be helpful to view information the way it is structured and used, namely: data, text, spreadsheets, pictures, voice and video. Data are discretely defined fields. Text is a collection of words. Spreadsheets are data in matrix (row and column) form. Pictures are lists of vectors or frames of bits. Voice is a continuous stream of sound waves. Video is a sequence of image frames. See universal server.

Information Structures

When information is stored electronically, it is structured according to the way it is used. Databases support all kinds of information.

Information Has "Meaning"

This excerpt from an R&R Report Writer ad exemplifies the idea that information is more usable for the manager than raw data. (Image courtesy of Concentric Data Systems, a subsidiary of Wall Data, Inc.)

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(data)

information - The result of applying data processing to data, giving it context and meaning. Information can then be further processed to yeild knowledge. 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.