Data and information that enters a computer is known as what?

The term that describes data and information that enters a computer is "input." Input refers to any data that is fed into a computer system for processing which can include keystrokes from a keyboard, clicks from a mouse, or information received through other input devices such as scanners or microphones. This is the primary way that users interact with a computer, allowing them to provide commands or information that the computer can then process or manipulate.

Understanding input is fundamental to computer operations because it sets the stage for data processing, which generates output. Other terms like "output," "upload," and "download" describe actions that occur after the data has been processed or involve transferring data to or from a system, but they do not pertain to the initial entry of information into the computer.