Basic Terms

Data , information , knowledge

Lecture#2
Instructor : Tayyba Sana
Data
 Data: stored representations of meaningful objects and events or
 Referred to facts concerning objects and events that could be recorded

and stored on computer media

 Structured: numbers, text, dates
 Unstructured: images, video, documents
Data
• it is commonly referred as ‘raw’ data – a collection of text, numbers
and symbols with no meaning. Data therefore has to be processed, or
provided with a context, before it can have meaning.
• Example
• 3,6,9,12
• 10.5,11.5,14,19.5
• Cat, dog,parrot
Figure 1-1a Data in Context

Context helps users understand data

Information
 Information: data processed to increase knowledge in the person
using the data
• Information is the result of processing data, usually by computer. This
results in facts, which enables the processed data to be used in
context and have meaning
• Information is data that has meaning.
Information
• Data refers to raw input that when processed or arranged makes
meaningful output.
• When data is processed into information, it becomes interpretable
and gains significance.
• Information can be about facts, things, concepts, or anything relevant
to the topic concerned.
Information
If we put Information into an equation it would look like this:

Data + Meaning = Information

Example
• 3, 6, 9 and 12 are the first four answers in the 3 x table
• cat, dog, gerbil, rabbit, cockatoo is a list of household pets
• 161.2, 175.3, 166.4, 164.7, 169.3 are the heights of 15-year-old
students.
 Graphical displays turn data into useful
information that managers can use for decision
making and interpretation
Knowledge
• knowledge is produced as a result of understanding information that
has been given to us
• Knowledge can therefore be:
• acquiring and remembering a set of facts, or
• the use of information to solve problems.
Knowledge

Information + application or use = Knowledge

• 4, 8, 12 and 16 are the first four answers in the 4 x table (because the
3 x table starts at three and goes up in threes the 4 x table must start
at four and go up in fours)
• The tallest student is 175.3cm.
• A lion is not a household pet as it is not in the list and it lives in the
wild.
Meta data
• data that describes the properties and context of user data
• Metadata summarizes basic information about data, making finding &
working with particular instances of data easier.
• Metadata can be created manually can be to be more accurate, or
automatically and contain more basic information.
Descriptions of the properties or characteristics of the data,
including data types, field sizes, allowable values, and data
context
File-Based Systems
• Early attempt to Computerize the manual filing system
• Collection of application programs that perform services for the
end users (e.g. reports).

• Each program defines and manages its own data.

Manual Filing Systems
• Works well
• while number of items to be stored is small
• For only storage or retrieval functionality of large number of items
TYPICAL FILE PROCESING SYTEM:

Library Examination Registration

Library Examination Registration

Applications Applications Applications

Library Examination Registration

Data Data Data
Files Files Files
Contrasting database and file systems
File-Based Systems
• Consider DreamHome example for file-based systems
• Sales Department : responsible for selling and renting of properties
• Contract Department: responsible for handling lease agreements
File-Based Processing
 Limitations of File-Based Approach

• Separation and isolation of data

• Each program maintains its own set of data.
• Users of one program may be unaware of potentially useful data held by
other programs.
• For example, if we want to produce a list of all houses that match the
requirements of the clients.
• Duplication of data
• Decentralized approach taken by each department.
• Same data is held by different programs.
• Wasted space and potentially different values and/or different formats
for the same item.
 Limitations of File-Based Approach..

• Data dependence
• File structure is defined in the program code.

• Incompatible file formats

• Programs are written in different languages, and so cannot easily access
each other’s files.

• Fixed Queries/Proliferation of application programs

• Programs are written to satisfy particular functions.
• Any new requirement needs a new program.
Database Approach
• Arose because:
• Definition of data was embedded in application programs, rather than
being stored separately and independently.
• No control over access and manipulation of data beyond that imposed by
application programs.

• Result:
• the database and Database Management System (DBMS).
Purpose of a Database

Database is an information that a person needs in

his personal, business, social and religious life and
the power and purpose of information is not only
in collecting and finding them but more
importantly in using them.
Thank you