(1) A group of related components that interact to perform a task.
(2) A "computer system" is made up of the CPU, operating system and peripheral devices. All desktop computers, laptop computers, network servers, minicomputers and mainframes are computer systems. Most references to "computer" imply the "computer system." See computer system.
(3) An "information system" is a business application made up of the database, the data entry, update, query and report programs as well as manual and machine procedures. Order processing systems, payroll systems, inventory systems and accounts payable systems are examples of "information systems." See information system.
(4) "The system" often refers to the operating system, the master control program that runs the computer. See operating system.
