(a.) Explain the following terms i. Data [2 Marks] ii. Information [2 Marks] iii. Information system [2 Marks] iv. Information Technology [2 Marks] Page 1 of 3

**(a.)**<br /><br />**i. Data:** Data refers to raw, unorganized facts and figures that lack context or meaning on their own. It can be in various forms, including numbers, letters, symbols, images, sounds, or any other form that can be captured and stored. Data becomes meaningful only when it is processed and organized. Examples include a list of numbers, a collection of images, or a sequence of characters.<br /><br /><br />**ii. Information:** Information is processed, organized, structured, or contextualized data that has meaning and value. It is data that has been given context, allowing it to be interpreted and used to make decisions or gain understanding. Information answers questions, solves problems, or provides insights. For example, a list of numbers representing student test scores becomes information when it's organized to show average scores, highest and lowest scores, and the distribution of scores.<br /><br /><br />**iii. Information system:** An information system (IS) is a combination of people, processes, data, and technology that work together to collect, process, store, and distribute information to support decision-making and problem-solving within an organization or context. It encompasses hardware, software, databases, networks, and the people who use and manage them. Examples include a company's payroll system, a hospital's patient management system, or an e-commerce website.<br /><br /><br />**iv. Information Technology (IT):** Information technology refers to the use of computers, software, networks, and other technologies to create, store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data. It focuses on the technical aspects of managing and processing information. IT encompasses hardware, software, databases, the internet, and other technologies used to manage and process information. Examples include computer networks, databases, software applications, and the internet.<br />