Definition: system

A group of components that interact to perform a task. There are countless systems in the technology field; however, a general overview follows:

1. Management System
Comprises an organization's goals and objectives, strategies and tactics. See management system.

2. Information System
Comprises a database and applications that perform data entry, update, query and report functions, generally within the same software program.

Examples of business applications are order processing, payroll, inventory and accounts payable. Examples of personal applications are Web browsers, word processing, spreadsheets and videoconferencing. See information system and application.

3. Computer System
Hardware and software. Comprises a desktop or laptop case with motherboard, CPU, memory, storage, peripheral devices and an operating system, which is the master control program. A computer system can also be a floor-standing mainframe.

Every reference to "computer," no matter how large or small, implies a computer system in some form along with software that performs information system functions. See computer system, operating system and microcontroller.