What can a computer not provide to the information it transmits?

The idea behind the notion that a computer cannot provide meaning to the information it transmits lies in the distinction between data and information. Computers are highly efficient at processing, transmitting, and storing data in structured forms. However, meaning is inherently a human conceptualization that relies on context, experience, and understanding.

When a computer transmits data, it may include specific formats, categories, and security measures, but the interpretation of that data—essentially, the 'meaning' it holds—is dependent on the user or the recipient’s ability to analyze and derive significance from it. For instance, a series of numbers transmitted by a computer could represent anything from financial data to temperature readings, but only humans can ascribe meaning based on their context and understanding of the subject matter.

In contrast, volume, structure, and security are characteristics directly managed and manipulated by computers. Volume pertains to the size or amount of data handled, structure refers to how the data is organized (like databases, file formats, etc.), and security concerns ensure safe transmission and storage of information. These are technical functions that computers can perform, allowing them to manage and transmit data effectively.