In computer software classification, programs that are designed specifically to solve general purpose business or personal tasks as well as special-purpose user tasks are collectively called what type of software?

Introduction / Context:
Computer software can broadly be divided into system software, which runs the computer itself, and application software, which helps users perform specific tasks. Users interact most frequently with application programs such as word processors, spreadsheets, and specialised packages. This question checks whether you can correctly identify the term used for software that addresses general purpose and special-purpose applications for the end user, rather than managing the hardware.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The programs in question solve general purpose and special-purpose application tasks.
• The options include Management Information System, System Software, Application Software, and None of these.
• We assume standard textbook definitions of system and application software.
• The focus is on software that directly serves user needs and tasks.

Concept / Approach:
System software includes the operating system and utility programs that control hardware and provide a platform for applications. Application software consists of programs that allow users to perform tasks such as writing documents, analyzing data, managing projects, or designing graphics. These can be general purpose, like a spreadsheet used in many domains, or special-purpose, like payroll processing or hospital management. A Management Information System is a specific application for managing organisational information, but it is not the general category name. Therefore, the correct classification for programs designed for general and special-purpose applications is application software.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Distinguish between system and application software. System software runs the computer hardware and supports applications. Application software serves user tasks. Step 2: Identify the kind of tasks described in the question. The question mentions general purpose and special-purpose applications, which are user oriented tasks. Step 3: Match that description with the correct category name. Programs that directly solve user problems and tasks are called application software. Step 4: Recognise that Management Information System is only one particular type of application, not the broad category. Step 5: Conclude that Application Software is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Introductory computer science textbooks usually show a diagram that places hardware at the bottom, system software above it, and application software at the top. Examples under application software include word processors, spreadsheet packages, database packages, and special-purpose business applications. Management Information System is often presented as a specific type of application that collects and processes data for managerial decisions. This supports the idea that application software is the broad category that covers both general and special-purpose user programs, and confirms that it fits the question most accurately.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (Management Information System): This is a specific application for organisational information management, not the general term for all user applications. Option B (System Software): This includes operating systems and utilities, whose main job is to manage hardware and provide a runtime environment, not directly solve user application tasks. Option D (None of these): This is incorrect because the correct term, application software, is already listed among the options.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse system software with application software because both are types of programs. Others may pick Management Information System because it sounds business-oriented and the question mentions general and special-purpose applications. To avoid this confusion, remember that application software always refers to programs that perform user tasks, while system software is the underlying support layer. Management Information System is just one application within the larger category of application software.

Final Answer:
Programs designed to address general purpose and special-purpose user tasks are called Application Software.