What Is A Desktop Computer?

Date First Published: 21st October 2023

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Hardware

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 2/10

Learn about what a desktop computer is in this article.

A desktop computer, also known as a desktop PC, is a stationary computer designed to fit on top of a desk. Unlike laptops, which are designed to be portable, desktop computers are designed to stay in one place. Desktop computers may have a minitower or microtower which fits under a desk and requires an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, or be combined with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse as an All-In-One computer. Desktop computers are a common choice for both home and office use as well as intensive applications, like gaming.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of Desktop Computers

• The internal components are easy to upgrade and replace since they are not integrated. This makes them easier and less expensive to repair.
• The screen is bigger than a laptop computer, allowing more documents, media, and games to be displayed at the same time.
• Because they stay in the same place, they are less likely to get stolen.
• They are more powerful than laptops and often have a faster graphics processor. Compared to laptops, they run faster and have a better cooling capacity than smaller portable devices.
• Since they stay in one place, they are less likely to be stolen.
• They often cost less than laptops with similar capabilities because they are simpler to design and manufacture.

• They lack portability. Due to their larger size, weight, and cabling, they are much harder to move around. This means that they cannot be used to complete work whilst travelling.
• They consume more power than laptop computers, making them less efficient. They are also affected by power outages or fluctuations since they are connected to a wall outlet and are not powered by an internal battery.
• They are much less compact than laptops and take up more space.
• They require extra peripheral devices to work, such as keyboards, mouses, monitors, and speakers, which can be expensive.

History

The earliest desktop computers introduced in the 1960s were very large and took up whole rooms. Fully programmable computers that could fit entirely on top of a desk did not appear until the 1970s. Desktop computers were the only type of computer that existed in the early days of computing.

Although desktop computers are still used by millions of individuals, businesses, and workplaces every day, other types of computers, like laptops, tablets, and smartphones have become more popular due to their portability. Laptop sales have recently exceeded desktop computer sales.

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