When people say desktop computer, they are usually referring to a PC; although they may in some cases be talking about a Macintosh computer. In any case, the term is used for computers which are designed to be set up in one location and to stay there, unlike a laptop where portability is the idea. In the days when microprocessors were anything but micro, any computer which could be comfortably accommodated on a standard office desk was known as a desktop computer (and for the time, these were considered small). Today, people use the term desktop computer to refer to a specific kind of CPU casing. However, desktop computers come in many shapes and sizes from form factor models where the CPU sits behind the screen of the computer to the traditional tower style of casing.
Strictly speaking, a desktop computer is one with horizontally oriented casing. The design is meant to save space, since the monitor can be put on top of the computer to make more room on a desk. These systems usually have a separate mouse, monitor and keyboard.
An all in one computer is one where the CPU and monitor are housed in a single casing. An example of this style would be the once ubiquitous iMac, preceded by the Kaypro II of the mid 1980s. All in one computers could be classed as semi-portables, since they can be unplugged and transported as a single piece generally (again, like the iMac).
Just like the laptops, the All-in-one desktop computer tends to suffer from a comparative lack of upgradeability because internal hardware is usually placed in the back part of the visual display unit. In the situation of the iMac line since the year 2002, the CPU as well as other internal hardware units are, more or less, glued permanently to the motherboard due to constraints of space.
One thing that desktops have over laptops is that all of the extensions and spare parts tend to be standardized resulting in greater availability and lower prices. For instance, the 'Form Factor" of the motherboard is likened to the ATX form factor. There are several standard expansion slots just like the PCI or the PCI express. Laptops usually have one PC card slot along with one mini PCI slot. This means that a desktop can be upgraded and customized only tend to have one mini PCI slot and one PC card slot. Procedures for the (dis-)assembly of a desktop tends to be simple and standardized to a great extent as well. This tends not to be the case for laptops, although adding or replacing some parts, such as the rechargeable battery, the optical drive, hard disk and the addition of an extra memory module is quite easy.
A desktop computer also has the advantage of the user not having to be concerned about power management - it runs from wall current, so you can simply plug it in and go. Desktops also run cooler than a laptop, since there are more places for heat to escape. The microprocessors made for laptops are lower in the consumption of power and the generation of heat, but also offer less performance than do desktop processors. - 15485
Strictly speaking, a desktop computer is one with horizontally oriented casing. The design is meant to save space, since the monitor can be put on top of the computer to make more room on a desk. These systems usually have a separate mouse, monitor and keyboard.
An all in one computer is one where the CPU and monitor are housed in a single casing. An example of this style would be the once ubiquitous iMac, preceded by the Kaypro II of the mid 1980s. All in one computers could be classed as semi-portables, since they can be unplugged and transported as a single piece generally (again, like the iMac).
Just like the laptops, the All-in-one desktop computer tends to suffer from a comparative lack of upgradeability because internal hardware is usually placed in the back part of the visual display unit. In the situation of the iMac line since the year 2002, the CPU as well as other internal hardware units are, more or less, glued permanently to the motherboard due to constraints of space.
One thing that desktops have over laptops is that all of the extensions and spare parts tend to be standardized resulting in greater availability and lower prices. For instance, the 'Form Factor" of the motherboard is likened to the ATX form factor. There are several standard expansion slots just like the PCI or the PCI express. Laptops usually have one PC card slot along with one mini PCI slot. This means that a desktop can be upgraded and customized only tend to have one mini PCI slot and one PC card slot. Procedures for the (dis-)assembly of a desktop tends to be simple and standardized to a great extent as well. This tends not to be the case for laptops, although adding or replacing some parts, such as the rechargeable battery, the optical drive, hard disk and the addition of an extra memory module is quite easy.
A desktop computer also has the advantage of the user not having to be concerned about power management - it runs from wall current, so you can simply plug it in and go. Desktops also run cooler than a laptop, since there are more places for heat to escape. The microprocessors made for laptops are lower in the consumption of power and the generation of heat, but also offer less performance than do desktop processors. - 15485
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