Should there be a law of information preservation?

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between data and information, as well as the concept of entropy and its connection to information. There is a debate about whether there should be a law of information preservation, and the definition of information is also brought up. The definition of information is linked to the definition of entropy, and there is a reference to information theory for further understanding.
  • #1
haiha
136
1
When working with data, one should see that information can not be created except for random ones. Should there be a law of information preservation?
 
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  • #2
hmmm, like entropy? I am still a noob at physics, but that sounds kind of like entropy.
 
  • #3
Well, it sounds nice. But I think we shoud define clearly the term information?
 
  • #4
There is no such thing as 'random' information, a random arrangement of particles for example, contains NO information.

Information can be created, but always at the expense of energy.

Information does have a precise definition, and it is linked with the definition of entropy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entropy

Check out section 3.3 for a reference to information theory.

Claude.
 

1. How can information be preserved?

Information can be preserved through various methods such as digitization, physical storage, and backups. Digitization involves converting physical information into digital format, which can be easily stored and accessed. Physical storage includes using materials such as paper, film, or microfilm to store information for long-term preservation. Backups involve creating duplicate copies of information and storing them in different locations to ensure its preservation in case of any damage or loss.

2. Why is it important to preserve information?

Preserving information is important for many reasons. It allows for historical and cultural information to be passed down to future generations. It also ensures that important scientific and technological advancements are not lost. Preserving information also enables continuity in business operations and can be crucial for legal and administrative purposes.

3. What are the challenges in preserving information?

There are several challenges in preserving information, including technological obsolescence, data degradation, and cost. As technology advances, older formats of information become obsolete, making it difficult to access and preserve. Data degradation can also occur over time, making it challenging to retrieve and use the information. Preservation efforts can also be costly, especially for large amounts of data.

4. How can we ensure the long-term preservation of digital information?

To ensure the long-term preservation of digital information, it is important to regularly update and migrate data to new storage formats and systems. This can prevent the loss of information due to technological obsolescence. Implementing backup and disaster recovery plans is also crucial in case of any data loss. Additionally, following best practices for data management, such as proper metadata and file organization, can aid in the long-term preservation of digital information.

5. How can individuals contribute to the preservation of information?

Individuals can contribute to the preservation of information by properly organizing and storing their own personal data. This can include making backups of important files and regularly updating their storage devices. Additionally, individuals can support organizations and institutions that are dedicated to preserving information, such as libraries, museums, and archives. Sharing and promoting awareness of preservation efforts can also help in preserving information for future generations.

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