What is the difference between data and information? Most people believe that the terms "data" and "information" are interchangeable and mean the same thing. However, there is a distinct difference between the two words . Data can be any character , text, words, number, pictures , sound , or video and, if not put into context, means little or nothing to a human. However, information is useful and usually formatted in a manner that allows it to be understood by a human. Computers typically read data, but it is not necessarily something that a computer actually understands. Through the use of formulas, programming scripts, or software applications, a computer can turn data into information that a human can understand. Below is an example of the same data and information and how they differ.