What is the difference between data and information

1. Data: symbols (1) is raw material for data processing. data relates to fact, event and transactions, So The term data refers to groups of information that represent the qualitative or quantitative attributes of a variable or set of variables(2). Or “reliable information based on observation and record-keeping” (3). Or "A collection of digital bits (binary digits (with informational content (e.g., a computer file, a digital image, or a digital sound recording)(4).

2. Information : data that are processed to be useful (5); provides answers to "who", "what", "where", and "when" questions (6), So Information is data that has been processed in such a way as to be meaningful to the person who receives it. It is anything that is communicated (7). And in its most restricted technical sense, is an ordered sequence of symbols. As a concept, however, information has many meanings (8) like knowledge obtained from investigation or communication (9).

3. Difference between data and information: Data refers to the lowest abstract or a raw input which when processed or arranged makes meaningful output. It is the group or chunks which represent quantitative and qualitative attributes pertaining to variables. Information is usually the processed outcome of data. More specifically speaking, it is derived from data. Information is a concept and can be used in many domains (10).

1- Gene Bellinger, Durval Castro, Anthony Mills: Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom http://www.systems-thinking.org/dikw/dikw.htm
2- Data - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data
3- Data and Information: http://www.dailywritingtips.com/data-and-information/
4- The Illustrated Dictionary of Electronics. Consumer Electronics. Wireless Technology. Stan Gibilisco. McGraw-Hill. Eighth Edition. 2001, p 164.
5- The Illustrated Dictionary of Electronics. Consumer Electronics.Ibid, p 364.
6- Gene Bellinger, Durval Castro, Anthony Mills: Op. Cit;
http://www.systems-thinking.org/dikw/dikw.htm
7- Answers_com - What is the difference between data and information in computer terms
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_data_and_information_in_computer_terms
8- Information - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information
9 -Data and Information: http://www.dailywritingtips.com/data-and-information/
10- Difference Between Data and Information Difference Between Data vs Information:
http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-data-and-information/