Characteristics of information in computer

In this chapter, we will learn about:

• what is information in computer?
• examples of information
• characteristics of information in computer
• what are the 5 characteristics of information?

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There is lot of data floating around in our universe. 

 

We need to collect those data, knit them together and there by making them fruitful for certain purpose. When we process the data to be useful then it becomes information.

 

What is information?

The data represented in organized and structured format that can help in evaluating certain problems or making decision is termed as information in computer. In simple term, we can say, processed data is called information.

Examples of information

Given below are important examples of information:

• Mark sheet of students
• Time chart of train schedule
• Pay slip of employees
• video tutorial on certain course like java
• quarterly financial statement of firm

Lets understand example of information with explanation

Texts like Sonu, Shukla, Rajneesh, computer science, java, maths, history, etc. and numbers like 96, 77, 58, etc are all data. If you see these texts or numbers you cannot make out any decision on what it is? Right.

 

But when it is processed and organized to present in structured format of result then it becomes information. From the result one can understand the strength and weakness of a student in particular subject. See the below image and you can easily understand that student Sonu Pandit needs improvement in which subject.

Every information will help someone on certain aspect.

 

Check our video tutorial on what is information & characteristics of information:

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Lets now move ahead and learn about important characteristics of information.

 

Characteristics of information

Given below are the important characteristics of information:

[Please follow the above video tutorial for more explanation and examples]

 

Accuracy

Accuracy of data plays vital role in helping the decision making.

As accurate the information will be, better will be decision making. Accuracy of information means the ratio of correct information to the total information gathered over certain time period.

 

Validity

Information should be generated with help of reliable and valid data to be helpful in contributing to effective decision making.

 

Completeness

Incomplete information gathered and shared with decision maker is of no use as this will contribute to hindrance in decision making. Information must be complete to contribute in decision making.

 

Concise

An accurate information will always be centralized and to the point. It should not contain unnecessary details not related to the event on which decision making is in progress.

 

Relevant

Information must be relevant to the topic. It should not be messed up with unwanted details to confuse decision makers.

 

Timeliness

Information should on time. Delayed information is not very useful. For example, if a newspaper publish the breaking news of today after one month then would that be so relevant to anyone. That is why to make more impact the information should follow the timeliness.

 

Fit for Purpose

The information should focus on the purpose for which it is needed to help in better decision making.

 

Reliable

The information should always be reliable and thus authentic to help in taking decision on any purpose.

 

All of the above features of information are important in terms of decision making.

 

Question: what are the 5 characteristics of information?

This is the most important question asked on this topic in exams. Please keep in mind atleast 5 characteristics of information as explained above and in video.

Important frequently asked questions on characteristics of information in computer:

• what are the 5 characteristics of information in computer?
• what is information in computer?
• List down few examples of information in computer.
• Difference: data vs information see here

This wraps up our session on characteristics of information or features of information.