[Grammar] Is it 'on the machine' or 'in the machine'?

[muthu_912]

I need some clarification on the following sentences.

1. The data is on my machine.
2. The data is in my machine.

Which one is the correct?

Please guide me.

 

[Heterological]

You could use either.

"Data" is technically plural, so the really proper way to say it is, "the data are on/in my machine." But this is a rule often ignored even by native speakers, so again, you can probably use either.

 

[muthu_912]

Thanks a lot for your explanation.