The document defines basic terminology related to data structures, including datum, data, information, knowledge, entity, attribute, field, record, and file. It explains that data are organized hierarchically into fields, records, and files. Common data structure types like arrays, stacks, queues, and linked lists are introduced. The document outlines the need for efficient data structures and discusses analyzing structures based on their use of space and time. It also distinguishes between logical and physical representations of data.