Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
In the context of computer science, a system refers to a collection of interconnected components that work together towards a common goal. It can be hardware, software, or a combination of both.
Related terms
Hardware: Hardware encompasses physical components such as computers, servers, input/output devices, and networking equipment that make up a computer system.
Software: Software refers to programs or instructions that tell the hardware what tasks to perform. It includes applications, operating systems, utilities, and programming languages.
Interoperability: Interoperability is the ability of different systems or components to exchange information and work together seamlessly. It ensures compatibility between different technologies used within a larger system.