Data or Information

Is there a clear line?

[madcat]

Hi-

Not sure of the best forum for this, but:

Where is the separation of data and information? I was wondering what other peoples perceptions are...

If random numbers are raw data--> When does it become information? When you throw it all in MySQL tables with field names (Or is that just more organized data)? Or perhaps when that information is analyzed and used for more useful purposes?

I'd like to get a clearer understanding for these terms and how they differ to you. So thanks for any input!

[lorax]

Hello Madcat,
Surely the answers you get will be subjective! For my own distinctions I prefer to think of data as raw numbers and facts. The moment someone applies an interpretation or theory or extrapolation it becomes information. I like to keep things simple.

[knighty]

DATA - Facts and Figures

i.e 21, 5

INFORMATION - What those facts and figures mean

In 5 days I will be 21