Which of the following best describes 'processing' in an information system?

The best description of 'processing' in an information system is about handling data to create meaningful information. Processing involves taking raw data and converting it into a format that provides insight, context, or further understanding. This can include organizing, calculating, summarizing, or manipulating data in various ways to generate reports, graphs, or other outputs that are useful for decision-making or analysis.

In contrast to the other options, storing data focuses on keeping data in a system for later access rather than transforming it. Retrieving information is the act of accessing stored data, and putting facts or numbers into a file merely involves data entry without the transformation aspect that is key to processing. Processing, therefore, encapsulates the core functionality of transforming data into valuable information, making it central to the operations of information systems.