Which term describes the manipulation of data by a computer to produce meaningful information?

• A. Input
• B. Processing
• C. Output
• D. Storage

Answer: (B)

Processing is the act of taking raw data and performing operations on it to turn it into information that is meaningful. In a typical workflow, data is first entered (input), then the computer applies calculations, sorting, comparisons, or formatting (processing), and finally the results are shown to the user or stored for later use (output or storage). Storage is about keeping data, not turning it into meaning. For example, entering numbers and having the computer calculate a total demonstrates processing turning data into useful information.