A general-purpose computer is a description of a computer capable of performing many different tasks rather than a specific one like a special-purpose computer. For example, the computer you’re using now to read this web page is a general-purpose computer. In addition to browsing the Internet, you can play a game, write a letter in a word processor, and other tasks.
Having a general-purpose computer allows the user to do whatever they want to do with it. However, because a general-purpose computer can do more than a special-purpose computer, it’s more complex, more difficult to manufacture, and costs more.
Computer, Hardware terms, Internet browser
Related computer pages
- How to use a computer.
- How to learn more about computers.
- Why should I learn about computers?
- Now that I’ve got a computer, what can I do?
- All computer questions and answers.