desktop
(1) See desktop computer.(2) A buzzword attached to some of the first personal computer applications in the 1980s that were previously performed on larger computers, such as desktop publishing and desktop mapping.
(3) The screen background in Windows, Mac or other graphical user interface (GUI). The desktop is covered with "wallpaper," which makes no sense until you realize that the screen is vertical like a wall, not horizontal like the top of a desk.
The Desktop Can Be a Laptop!
Since every computer, whether stationary or portable, has a screen background, the term often refers to a user's machine in general. "The system services 500 desktops" means 500 client machines, whether desktops, laptops or netbooks.
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| A True Desktop |
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| Having multiple windows on screen at the same time offers the convenience of a real desk. These two 21" flat panels allow four Web pages or four text documents to be viewed at the same time. |
desktop
denoting a computer system, esp for word processing, that is small enough to use at a desk
desktop [′desk‚täp]
(computer science)
In a graphical user interface, a screen on which frequently used software resources are represented by icons.
| 1. | (operating system) | desktop - In a WIMP graphical user interface,
the visual representation of a real desktop (the top surface
of a piece of furniture) with documents, folders and a rubbish
bin arranged on it. The user manipulates files on the
computer by using a mouse to click and drag their
representations (icons) on the desktop. The WIMP interface and desktop metaphor was invented at Xerox PARC and popularised by the Apple Macintosh. | |
| 2. | (computer) | desktop - desktop computer. |
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