General-purpose computer

A general-purpose computer describes a computer capable of performing 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, Desktop computer, Hardware terms, Personal computer, Workstation