Information systems (IS) is the study of complementary networks of hardware and software that people and organizations use to collect, filter, process, create, and distribute data.

Components of Information System

• Technology:

  Technology can be thought of as the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.

  the first three components of information systems – hardware, software, and data – all fall under the category of technology.

• People:

  A focus on the people involved in information systems is the next step.

  From the front-line help-desk workers, to systems analysts, to programmers, all the way up to the chief information officer

• Process:

  The last component of information systems is process. A process is a series of steps undertaken to achieve a desired outcome or goal.

  Information systems are becoming more and more integrated with organizational processes, bringing more productivity and better control to those processes.

  Difference between general purpose and Specialized information system

General purpose information system:

The software or systems which are not designed to work with specific organization or a specific type of analysis.

For e.g. DBMS, GIS etc.

Specialized Information system:

The software or systems which are designed to work with specific organization or a specific type of analysis.

For e.g. MIS, Decision Support System.