What is the term for an automated system that records, manipulates, stores, recovers, and disseminates data?

The term that best describes an automated system that records, manipulates, stores, recovers, and disseminates data is "Information System." An Information System encompasses a comprehensive framework that integrates technology, people, and processes to manage and analyze data. It serves a critical role in facilitating decision-making, improving efficiency, and supporting communication within an organization.

An Information System incorporates various components, including hardware, software, data, procedures, and people, which work together to collect, process, and distribute information. This definition captures the full scope of functions performed by such systems in various contexts, including healthcare, business, and more.

Other terms presented have narrower definitions. For instance, a Data Management System typically focuses on the organization, storage, and retrieval of data but may not encompass the broader activities involved in disseminating information and supporting decision-making. Information Retrieval Systems are primarily concerned with finding and retrieving stored data from databases or repositories. A Data Processing Unit refers to hardware that performs operations on data but does not imply the broader set of functionalities associated with managing and disseminating information as an Information System does.