A computer desktop is a personal computer that is built to sit on a desk and be used regularly. It differs from a laptop computer, which is designed to be portable. The desktop is a separate unit that houses the computer hardware and connects to external peripherals such as a monitor and keyboard. Many people use desktop computers for work, and they are a valuable tool in many industries.

A desktop computer has several components, including a processor and a storage drive. A desktop computer has a motherboard that is standardized on an ATX, microATX, or Balanced Technology eXtended form factor. It also houses disk storage, a modem, and standard expansion slots. Its power supply is also a necessity, so it’s important to have an uninterruptible power source.

RAM, or memory, is another important component of a computer desktop. It helps speed up the computing process by storing system information. A larger memory will allow your computer to perform more tasks and games at the same time. A minimum of 8GB RAM is recommended for recent games, while 2GB of RAM is sufficient for most Microsoft Office applications.

Another consideration when purchasing a computer desktop is its cost. New models of desktop PCs typically cost a considerable amount of money, and they are often limited by the price of components. But, if you are on a tight budget, it is possible to find a desktop PC with the same features at a significantly lower price. You can also choose to upgrade your existing machine to a newer model if necessary.

Another important feature of the computer desktop is the ability to organize it using folders. The folders can be categorized into categories and subfolders. This allows you to find files quickly. You can also sort files according to type and date of modification. This way, you won’t have to spend time browsing through the various files on your desktop.

Another feature of a desktop computer is its portability. If you don’t want to use a separate keyboard, mouse, or DVD drive, you can buy an all-in-one model with these features. This saves space and makes it easier to move around. You can also use the desktop for gaming and other activities.

A laptop is another popular option for computer usage. It has built-in keyboard and monitor, and can also have a trackpad that replaces the mouse. They can be as small as ten inches or as large as twenty inches. They are not as portable as desktop computers, and their batteries last between six and 12 hours, depending on how much you use the computer.

The first desktop computer was an Olivetti Programma 101, released in 1965. It was a typewriter-sized computer that was capable of running BASIC and APL. Other desktops began to appear through the mid-1970s. Eventually, the first home computers were released, including the Apple II, TRS-80, and the Commodore Personal Electronic Transactor. The desktop’s design has changed a lot over the years. It can now run the Mac OS and have a higher color depth than it did back in 1975.