Which of the following is NOT a main component of an information system?

• A. Hardware
• B. Software
• C. Data
• D. Marketing

Answer: (D)

The correct choice, which is not a main component of an information system, is indeed marketing.

In the context of information systems, the primary components typically include hardware, software, and data. Hardware refers to the physical devices like computers and servers that are essential for processing and storing information. Software encompasses the applications and programs that run on hardware, enabling users to perform various tasks. Data is the crucial information that is processed and managed by the system.

Marketing, while an essential function in business and organizational contexts, does not directly constitute a component of an information system. It can certainly be supported by information systems through tools like customer relationship management (CRM) systems, but it is not itself a fundamental building block of information systems like hardware, software, or data. Therefore, it is clear why marketing is not regarded as one of the main components of an information system.