5) Explain the concept of database, data and information

I) database

 The data is organized in some manner so that the information contained within the database can be easily retrieved.  Some of the simple databases that you might be familiar with are things like phone books or rolodexes.  As data processing has become more sophisticated, so have methods for collecting, storing and retrieving information.  Databases have become the cornerstone for an overwhelming amount of the computing environment in existence.

ii) data

data is defined as  representation of information in a formalized manner suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing. Examples of data include a sequence of bits, a table of numbers, the characters on a page, the recording of sounds made by a person speaking, or a moon rock specimen." Types of data include:

• observational data
• laboratory experimental data
• computer simulation
• textual analysis 
• physical artifacts or relics

For social science, data is generally numeric files originating from social research methodologies or administrative records, from which statistics are produced. It also includes, however, more data formats such as audio, video, geospatial and other digital content that are germane to social science research.

Digital text is becoming increasingly important in the humanities and arts. Research in these areas may think of data in the form of textual information, semantic elements, and text objects. Digital Arts, Sciences, and Humanities (DASH), on campus, is an example of research emerging in this area.

iii) information 

Information is a resource which has no value until it is extracted, processed and utilized. Information technology deals with information system, data storage, access, retrieval, analysis and intelligent decision making. Information technology refers to the creation, gathering, processing, storage, presentation and dissemination of information and also the processes and devices that enable all this to be done.

Information technology is affecting us as individual and as a society. Information technology stands firmly on hardware and software of a computer and tele-communication infrastructure.