Data is defined as what?

Data is fundamentally understood as information that is stored on a computer. This encompasses a wide variety of formats, including text, numbers, images, and more. When we refer to data, we are discussing any collected information that can be processed and manipulated by a computer system.

For example, spreadsheets, databases, and files contain different forms of data that a computer can use for various functions, such as analysis, reporting, or presentation. Thus, the definition aligns perfectly with the concept of data being the raw facts and figures that are stored, accessed, and managed by computers.

In contrast, images stored on a computer are merely a type of data; they do not encompass the broad definition of data itself. Instructions processed by a computer refer to software and commands, which are different entities than the data they operate on. Lastly, hardware components refer to the physical elements of a computer system, such as the CPU or hard drive, which are distinct from the information stored and processed. This context solidifies why identifying data as information stored on a computer is accurate and comprehensive.