Term of the Moment
electromagnetic radiation
Definition: desktop
(1) Synonymous with desktop computer. For example, the phrase "the IT department supports 150 desktops" means it is responsible for 150 user computers. In such cases, laptop computers may be counted as desktop computers.
(2) A prefix attached to software categories as personal computers replaced terminals and mainframes in the 1980s. For example, see desktop publishing and desktop conferencing.
(3) The screen appearance after logging onto a computer. The desktop is a folder that shows a bacground scene known as "wallpaper" and all the files and folders within. The desktop also includes menus and icons for launching applications and managing the computer. See wallpaper.
More Like a Real Desktop
(2) A prefix attached to software categories as personal computers replaced terminals and mainframes in the 1980s. For example, see desktop publishing and desktop conferencing.
(3) The screen appearance after logging onto a computer. The desktop is a folder that shows a bacground scene known as "wallpaper" and all the files and folders within. The desktop also includes menus and icons for launching applications and managing the computer. See wallpaper.
For centuries, people spread out paper documents side-by-side on their desk surfaces for comparison. One way to emulate a real desktop is with multiple monitors. In 2004, these two 21" Samsung flat panels allowed four pages to be viewed side by side. Since then, monitors from 30" to 43" have become popular.