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To view data is practising observance, to control data is practising...?

I'm not looking for the antonym of observance, I just don't know the "looking:observance::doing:?" word.

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I think we need some more context on this one. What type of data? What type of "control"? – heathenJesus Aug 31 '12 at 15:22
To the contrary, viewing data is practicing observation, not observance. – Mark Beadles Aug 31 '12 at 18:58

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I'd say "to control data is practising: manipulation"

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Manipulating data has a connotation of doing so to serve your own ends. That may or may not be the intended meaning. – JLG Sep 4 '12 at 19:49
In this sense I disagree. While "manipulation" in general has a Machiavellian overtone, in the strict sense of computer data, it's merely the corollary to "observe/view". If you take even one step away from the raw data itself, as in "manipulating a report of computer data", then the evil connotation returns. But at the level of setting or reading bits/bytes, "manipulation" is merely the act of setting bits as opposed to reading them. – Bob Sep 6 '12 at 12:15
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The question is so unconstrained a thousand words might work. A few to consider: maintenance, “Actions performed to keep some ... system functioning or in service”; editing, “an act or instance of something being edited”; husbandry , “The prudent management or conservation of resources”; and also management and conservation.

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Quite. Control (as a noun) would fulfil the criteria, too. The question is borderline Not Constructive. – Andrew Leach Aug 31 '12 at 17:22

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