Desktop Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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desktop

[ˈdɛskˌtɒp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

computer

A desktop is a computer system that is designed to be used in a fixed location, typically on a desk or table. It consists of a monitor, keyboard, and CPU housed in a single unit. Desktop computers are often used for tasks that require more processing power or storage capacity than a laptop or tablet.

Synonyms

PC, desktop computer, workstation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
desktop	Use 'desktop' when referring to the main graphical interface of a computer's operating system or the physical surface of a desk where a computer is placed. I have too many icons cluttering my desktop. She put her laptop on the desktop.
desktop computer	Use 'desktop computer' specifically to describe a personal computer that is designed to be situated on a desk and is not portable. I bought a new desktop computer for my home office. Desktop computers are often used in workplaces for their reliability.
PC	Use 'PC' as an abbreviation for 'personal computer', generally referring to computers running a Windows operating system, but can also broadly mean any non-Mac computer. He prefers gaming on a PC because of the better hardware options. You can install the software on any PC.
workstation	Use 'workstation' to describe a high-performance computer designed for technical or scientific applications, often used by professionals like engineers, graphic designers, or scientists. The graphic designer upgraded to a powerful workstation for rendering 3D models. Workstations are commonly used for tasks that require significant computing power.

Examples of usage

A desktop computer is perfect for gaming enthusiasts.
I prefer using a desktop for my graphic design work.
She has a desktop in her home office for work.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

furniture

A desktop is a surface or table that provides a work area, especially in an office or study. It is typically used for placing a computer, paperwork, or other items for work or study purposes.

Synonyms

desk, table, work surface.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
desktop	Can also mean a computer that is designed to be used on a desk, typically larger than a laptop. I prefer using a desktop for graphic design because of the larger screen. The office provided each employee with a desktop computer.
desk	A piece of furniture with a flat surface used for reading, writing, or working, typically featuring drawers and compartments. He sat at his desk to finish his homework. She has a beautifully organized desk in her home office.
work surface	A general term for any flat area used for work-related tasks, such as a kitchen counter, office desk, or workbench. The work surface in the lab was cluttered with equipment. Make sure to clean your work surface after cooking.
table	A piece of furniture with a flat surface supported by legs, used for placing items or for eating, writing, and working. The family gathered around the dining table. She placed her books on the table to study.

Examples of usage

Her desk is cluttered with papers and books.
He sat at the desktop, typing away on his laptop.
The desktop in the office is made of solid oak.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

The desktop interface made computer use easier, allowing users to interact with virtual 'files' and icons like physical objects.
Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) innovated in the 1980s with Apple's Macintosh, making the desktop a standard feature in computers.

Cultural Impact

The design of desktops has influenced how we organize information, affecting everything from office layouts to mobile apps.
Icons on the desktop often reflect common tasks or tools, showing how cultures communicate through technology.

Psychology

Research shows that a clutter-free desktop can improve focus and productivity, similar to how a tidy room helps you think clearer.
The way a person organizes their desktop can reflect their personality, such as being methodical or creative.

Pop Culture

Movies and TV shows often depict characters using their desktops in critical moments, showcasing how integral computers have become in everyday life.
References to 'desktop' in music and literature symbolize the blend of work and personal life in the digital age.

Origin of 'desktop'

Main points about word origin

The term 'desktop' combines 'desk', which comes from Old French, and 'top', meaning the surface.
The word started being used in computing around the early 1980s as personal computers became popular.

The term 'desktop' originated in the late 19th century, combining 'desk' and 'top' to refer to the top surface of a desk. With the advancement of technology, 'desktop' evolved to also represent a computer system designed for use on a desk. The concept of a fixed computer system in a stationary location led to the development of desktop computers as we know them today.