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Definition: system


(1) Every system is a group of components that interact to perform a task.

(2) A "management system" comprises an organization's goals and objectives, strategies and tactics. See management system.

(3) An "operating system" is the master control program that runs the computer. See operating system.

(4) A "computer system" is a metal or plastic case that contains a motherboard, CPU, memory, storage, peripheral devices and operating system. In general, references to "computer" imply computer system. All desktop and laptop computers, servers and mainframes are computer systems. Although tablets and smartphones contain the same components, they are not called computer systems. See computer system.

(5) An "information system" is an application made up of a database along with data entry, update, query and report functions, all of which are commonly within the same software application. Manual procedures may also be included.

Order processing, payroll, inventory and accounts payable are examples of business "information systems." Examples of personal information systems, also called "applications" and "productivity software" are word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, and Web browsers. See information system and application.