General Purpose application software packages generally contain tools to provide specific capabilities, but not to support a specific purpose. These softwares perform common information processing jobs for users. They are sometimes referred to as productivity packages as they greatly increases the productivity of users A word processor for instance, is the most common general purpose application software. It uses a computer program or a dedicated hardware and software package to write, edit, format, and print a document. Text is most commonly entered using a keyboard similar to a typewriter's, although handwritten input (common in pen-based computer) and audio input devices have been introduced.
Among the standouts of general purpose application software programs include web browsers (Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer), e-mails (Hotmail,Gmail), word processors (MS Word, Lotus WordPro), spreadsheets (MS Excel, Lotus 1-2-3), database softwares (MS Access, Lotus Approach), desktop publishing (MS Publisher, Adobe Pagemaker), presentation graphics (MS Powerpoint, Lotus Freelance) and Personal Information Manager (MS Outlook, Lotus Organizer).
Among the standouts of general purpose application software programs include web browsers (Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer), e-mails (Hotmail,Gmail), word processors (MS Word, Lotus WordPro), spreadsheets (MS Excel, Lotus 1-2-3), database softwares (MS Access, Lotus Approach), desktop publishing (MS Publisher, Adobe Pagemaker), presentation graphics (MS Powerpoint, Lotus Freelance) and Personal Information Manager (MS Outlook, Lotus Organizer).
Here's a few combination of general purpose software and function-specific software programs
In contrast, a function-specific application software is much more limited in terms of what it does. Normally, these softwares works just to support specific applications of end users.
Some function-specific application programs include specific programs for the Supply Chain Management (SCM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), transaction processing, science, engineering and also business accounting.
It can be concluded that people could use general purpose software for its wide array of functions but they could only enjoy to a certain limit in its capabilities within each of the purposes. On the other hand, one could use function-specific software only for a few functions but with greater, cutting-edge and more in-depth capabilities for each of its purposes.
Source(s):
O’Brien, J. A. Marakas, G. M. (2008). Introduction to Information Systems (14th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
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