Data

What Does Data Mean?

Data, in the context of computing, refers to distinct pieces of digital information. Data is usually formatted in a specific way and can exist in a variety of forms, such as numbers, text, etc. When used in the context of transmission media, data refers to information in binary digital format.

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Techopedia Explains Data

Data is a broad term in computer technology, but it is often used to identify and separate information from mere bits.

In telecommunications, data often refers to digital, rather than analog, information. Unlike analog transmissions, which require a hard-line connection for the duration of a transmission, digital data is sent in packets.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…