A computer exists to convert data into information. Data are unprocessed, raw facts, figures, statistics, concepts or instructions. To be useful, they must be converted into information. Information is processed data. Data have been analysed, organized and summarized to create useful information.
Information is data that has been processed so that an action or decision can be made from it.
A computer exists to create this useful information by converting data into information through a process called data processing. Data processing is the process of manipulation, organization and analysis that is used to convert data into information. Data and information in a computer system are organized using a directory structure and stored in files on the storage medium in use. In order for the user to be able to use the directory structure effectively, the computer must be able to find files. A file system is used to organize the data on the medium.