The two forms by which computer can be classified based on its purpose are:
a. Special purpose and
b. General purpose
a. Special Purpose:
It is solely designed for applications. It runs on programs designed to produce the required output for the implementation of that single application. Areas to find this is research centers, e.g. word processor systems.
b. General Purpose:
It is used for a variety of task the need to modify it physically to adapt to any in task. Most PCs are general purpose.