1.1. INFORMATION AND ITS PROPERTIES
Definition
In Latin, information means an explanation, statement of something or description of something. Information is data about our environment that reduces the incompleteness of knowledge about the objects and events in it. Information is a collection of data that determines the extent of our understanding of certain events, phenomena or factors.
The concept of information, along with matter and energy, is one of the fundamental concepts of the universe, so it is tough to define it accurately.
Concerning computer data processing, information is understood as a particular sequence of symbolic values (letters, numbers, coded graphic images and sounds, etc.) that possesses a precise meaning and is presented in a computer-readable format. Each new symbol in such a sequence increases the information volume of the message.
Information acts as an ability of objects and phenomena (processes) to generate a variety of conditions that are transmitted using the reflection from one object to another. Data covers all aspects and all branches of social life, which is an intricate part of every person's life, affecting their way of thinking and behaviour. It provides communication between people, social groups, classes, nations, and countries, helps people to develop a scientific world outlook, to understand the diverse phenomena and processes of social life, to improve their level of culture and education, learn and abide by the laws and moral principles. The role of information in management is immense and irreplaceable. In fact, if there is no information, it is impossible to speak about any management or purposeful activity of interrelated objects and systems.
The definition of information includes such concepts as signal, data, information, and knowledge.