Desktop computer Totally Explained

Everything about Desktop Computers totally explained

A desktop computer is a personal computer (PC) in a form intended for regular use at a single location, as opposed to a mobile laptop. Prior to the wide spread of microprocessors a computer that could fit on a desk was considered remarkably small. Today the phrase usually indicates a particular style of computer case. Desktop computers come in a variety of styles ranging from large vertical tower cases to small form factor models that can be tucked behind an LCD monitor. In this sense, the term 'desktop' refers specifically to a horizontally-oriented case, usually intended to have the display screen placed on top to save space on the desk top. Most modern desktop computers have separate screens and keyboards. A specialized form of desktop case is used for home theatre systems, incorporating front-panel mounted controls for audio and video.

All-in-one

All-in-one computers are desktop computers that combine the monitor into the same case as the CPU. The term, "all-in-one" was initially associated with Digital Equipment Corporation's VAX "all-in-one" software which provided a common menu to choose: email, spreadsheet, database, file system, etc. The "mouse" hadn't been popularized for personal computers yet, so everything was driven by the keyboard. Some early personal computers (such as the Commodore PET) combined mass-storage, processor,and display in one cabinet. The original Macintosh introduced in 1984 by Apple Computer (now Apple Inc.) was one of the first all-in-one computers, In 1998 Apple released the iMac which was also an all-in-one computer. These types of desktop computers save desk space and are easier to set up, but are limited when it comes to expansion to improve their capabilities.
An All-in-One PC is a PC built into hardware which is usually a separate peripheral, such as a monitor or keyboard. It is sometimes abbreviated as "AIO". Apple computers are popular examples of this, with products such as the iMac, in which the computer is built behind the monitor and the original Macintosh 128k of 1984. Some older 8-bit computers, such as the Commodore PET 2001 or Kaypro II, also fit into this category. Some, such as the HP Integral PC, even had a built in printer[1].
   These PCs include the usual items one might expect to find on any PC, including USB ports and a CD-ROM drive. A VGA port on a monitor-based all-in-one PC could also be feasible for dual screen viewing. Although they generally can't run off battery power, AIO PC's are more portable than other desktop PCs and often have carrying handles in the case. They can simply be unplugged and transported to a new location.
   When the PC is part of a touchscreen monitor, the term panel PC or LCD PC might also be used. The Zero-Footprint-PC is an example of a PC-in-keyboard arrangement.
   Several manufacturers build all-in-one form desktop PCs.
   Typically computers with this designation, even those marketed as "media center" devices, don't include audio amplification circuitry. An external device is still required if one wishes to use standard unpowered speakers to achieve louder, or higher quality audio reproduction than available with "computer speakers".

Health effects of desktop computers

Carelessly-arranged computer screens and keyboard can lead to ergonomics problems such as eyestrain and repetitive strain injuries while using a keyboard for long periods. The height of a standard desktop isn't recommended for keyboard use, and stacking the monitor on the case aggravates posture problems.

Comparison with laptops

Desktops have the advantage over laptops that the spare parts and extensions tend to be standardized, resulting in lower prices and greater availability. For example, the form factor of the motherboard is standardized, like the ATX form factor. Desktops have several standardized expansion slots, like PCI or PCI express, while laptops only tend to have one mini PCI slot and one PC card slot (or ExpressCard slot). This means that a desktop can be customized and upgraded to a greater extent than laptops. Procedures for (dis-)assembly of desktops tend to be simple and standardized to a great extent too. This tends not to be the case for laptops, though adding or replacing some parts, like the optical drive, rechargeable battery, hard disk, and adding an extra memory module is often quite simple.
Another advantage of desktops is, that power consumption isn't as critical in a desk top because a desktop isn't powered by a rechargeable battery and there's more space to remove the heat. Due to this, both Intel and AMD manufacture special CPUs for mobile computers (for example laptops) with lower power consumption that also have lower performance levels.

Further Information

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