How is computer data defined?

Computer data is defined as information processed or stored using binary digits, which are the basic units of data in computing. Binary digits, or bits, represent two possible states: 0 and 1. This binary system is fundamental to how computers operate, as they encode all types of information—whether it's text, images, sounds, or videos—into combinations of these two states.

The use of binary digits allows computers to process and store data efficiently and reliably. All software applications, operating systems, and hardware components rely on this binary encoding to function. This definition encompasses various forms of data and highlights the universality of binary as the underlying format for all types of information in the computing realm.

In contrast, other options may capture aspects of data but do not encompass its complete definition. For instance, while mathematical equations processed by a computer can be a form of data, they do not represent the broader concept of what data encompasses. Similarly, data stored on physical drives is a specific manifestation of data storage rather than a definition. A textual representation of information is a subtype of data but does not reflect the entirety of what data can be. Thus, the correct definition emphasizes the foundational role of binary digits in data processing and storage within computer systems.