Information meaning (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Information:

As information, we call the set of data, already processed and ordered for its understanding, that provide new knowledge to an individual or system about a given matter, matter, phenomenon or entity. The word, as such, comes from the Latin informatĭo , informatiōnis , meaning 'action and effect of informing'.

The importance of information lies in that, based on it, we can solve problems, make decisions or determine which alternative, of a set of them, is the one that best suits our needs. The use that we make of the information, in this sense, is the rational basis of knowledge.

The most important consequence of information is to change the state of knowledge that an individual or system manages with respect to a certain phenomenon or issue, all of which will influence the actions, attitudes, or decisions that are made based on the new information. For example, by informing us about the weather and finding out that it is going to rain, we will know that our best hypothesis to avoid getting wet is to carry an umbrella with us when we go out.

On the other hand, some of the fundamental characteristics of the information is that it must have a certain degree of utility, since, based on it, the individual or system will modify the successive interactions that it makes with its environment. Also, the information shall have effect or present, because useless information on the state of the time the day before to decide whether to carry an umbrella or not. And, finally, the information must be reliable, since to the extent that it is, a series of actions will be ordered to confirm it.

Ad Perpetual Information

In Law, as information ad perpétuam, or information ad perpétuam rei memóriam, the information that is made for perpetual memory is known, that is, for the record in future legal actions that take place.

Financial information

As financial information is called the set of data on the economic situation of a person, an organization, a market or country, and is used in order to analyze its solidity and liquidity, and establish parameters to make decisions commercial operations or investments.

Information in Computing

In Informatics, information is called the set of organized and processed data that functions as messages, instructions and operations or any other type of activity that takes place on a computer.

Insider information

Inside information is called information that is exclusive to a group of people or companies, and that provides certain competitive advantages to those who possess it. The concept of privileged information is, above all, common in the business and stock market spheres, and must be handled with care and ethics, since it is capable of being used for its own benefit or that of others.