It refers to computers that are stationary and not portable. AKA one that "sits on your desk" versus a laptop which can "sit on your lap" and is portable. Desktops are bigger in physical size and have multiple components to them such as a montior, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and computer tower. In a laptop, these are built into one piece.
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well, i guess its easier to get around on your desktop.... it has bigish icons that you can see straight away and anyway what would you have instead of a desktop???? it would endup beind waaaaay more confusing!!!
The word "desktop" has several uses in the computer world.
In the software sense, "desktop" refers to the background on your operating system. This is the screen which is shown when all other programs are closed or minimized. In Windows this is where many of your most used programs are linked in the form of "desktop icons."
In the hardware sense "desktop" is often used to refer to a computer which is meant to stay put. The counterpart to a laptop computer or notebook computer would be the desktop computer.
To further confuse matters "desktop" is also used to refer to a specific type of computer case. Most modern computers use a "tower" configuration, where the system stands up tall rather than laying on its side. This is done to reduce the amount of table or desk space the computer takes up. The counterpoint to a tower case is a "desktop" case where the machine is meant to be laying flat, often with the monitor perched on top of it.
Desktop refer to the screen that is displayed when the computer is turned on.
The desktop is the screen on which the icons are there.