Final answer:
An information system includes both computer-based and manual components for data management and analysis. It is crucial for transaction processing and has evolved significantly with the advancement of computing technology, playing an essential role in information societies and automated systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
An information system can be understood as a collective arrangement that comprises both computer-based tools and manual procedures. Information systems are designed to support operations, management, and decision-making. In contrast to a mere data processing system, an information system includes not only computer technology but also manual processes to manage and analyze information. Additionally, an information system is often integral for transaction processing, illustrating its pivotal role in the daily operations of numerous organizations.
Given its extensive use, from memory likened to information processing to the management of geospatial data through GIS, an information system has become an essential element in different domains. Importantly, the evolution of computers has shaped information systems from the times of minicomputers to modern digital technologies, reinforcing the significance of information in postindustrial societies. Moreover, human-software interactions have augmented the capabilities of automated systems, further elevating the importance and functionality of information systems within organizational contexts.