In computing, raw, unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, images, and sounds is referred to as _____.

In computing, raw, unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, images, and sounds is referred to as _____.

• A. Output
• B. Information
• C. Knowledge
• D. Data

Answer: (D)

Data is the term for raw, unprocessed facts. It includes numbers, text, images, and sounds that haven’t been organized or interpreted yet. Once data is processed and given context or meaning, it becomes information. From information, you can derive knowledge as you apply understanding and insights. Output, on the other hand, is what a computer produces after processing data, such as a displayed result or a printed report. An example helps: a list of numbers like 3, 7, and 12 is data; calculating and presenting their average as 7.33 turns it into information.

Data is the term for raw, unprocessed facts. It includes numbers, text, images, and sounds that haven’t been organized or interpreted yet. Once data is processed and given context or meaning, it becomes information. From information, you can derive knowledge as you apply understanding and insights. Output, on the other hand, is what a computer produces after processing data, such as a displayed result or a printed report. An example helps: a list of numbers like 3, 7, and 12 is data; calculating and presenting their average as 7.33 turns it into information.