What is an information system?

As mentioned in the previous section, an information system is one that handles information. That is a very vague description. Perhaps some examples help to illustrate.

An example of a large information system is the system that is used to track drivers' records and vehicle information. The DMV of California needs to keep track of a tremendous amount of information. In this case, using computers as a tool makes it possible.

Another example of a small information system is the system that a family-owned small grocery store uses to track inventory, orders and sales. This type of information system is small scaled and the use of computers is certainly not necessary.

If you think about it, you, too, use information systems in your daily life. Some religiously track income and expenses, others track phone numbers, addresses and birthdates systematically. Teachers, including professors, track the performance and grades of students throughout a semester. At the end of a day, some of us sit in front of a computer to enter and maintain information in s Quicken-type application, while others balance the book literally using paper-based ledgers.

As you can see, information systems come in all sizes and complexity.