General purpose application software packages are generally tools that provide specific capabilities, but not in support of a specific purpose. It is much broader in use. Word processors for example, can handle every form of writing, aside from calligraphy. Spreadsheet programs like Excel handle a significant portion of data processing problems (with databases taking the rest).
For Example, a spreadsheet program is a general purpose application software. It does spreadsheets, but those could be spreadsheets that you use to balance your checkbook, or manage your fantasy football league.
Special purpose application software is more limited in what it will do, but it usually goes that one thing much better than a general purpose program. Beside that, it also very specific in its use. Engineering programs often fall under this category - there is program that does slope stability analysis and nothing else, for instance. Special purpose software may also be created in house and tailored to the specific needs of the company.
For example, Turbo Tax ( a tab preparation package) is a special purpose application. Sure, it adds and subtracts numbers like a spreadsheet, but you can't use it to track your fantasy football league. It does one thing - prepare tax return.
In general, special purpose software is intended to perform a very specific function, while general purpose software is intended to perform a broader class of functions.
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