Understanding different data types
Data is data. Right? Wrong. Although the actual information may not change, data can exist in a number of different states.
Data at Rest
Data at Rest is best described as data that is residing on a storage platform, whether thats a server, a local hard disk or a usb key. The data is essentially dormant, as its not being transferred or used.
Data in Motion
This is data that is moving through a network, for example when you send an email, the data contained within that email travels across a number of different networks until it reaches its final destination.
Data in Use
This is data that is actually be used or called up. Its data that is stored in the working memory of a machine, or being processed.
Data disposed
This is data that is not longer of use and has been deleted.