To help understand computers it is best to first learn about computer data. Computer data is information required by the computer to be able to operate. It is used to:
•Run programs - This is the actual executable program data that the computer will execute to run the program such as Microsoft Word.
•Store program or system configuration information.
•Store information that the computer user needs such as text files or other files that are associated with the program the computer user is running. A common example of a program the computer user is running is the Microsoft Office suite of products which include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and others. These programs are also known as applications.