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 are introduced, including arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, graphs, and trees. Key operations on data structures like traversal, search, insertion, deletion, sorting, and merging are also outlined. The document provides examples and discusses the need for efficient data structures to solve complex computing problems within space and time constraints.