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desktop
desktop (desktop computer, worktop)
1. An entire computer that sits on a desk or table, a PC or Macintosh being examples. It usually consists of: a display, either color or monochrome; a system box containing the processor, memory, disk drives, power supply, and communication interfaces; a keyboard; a pointing device, often a mouse. Although the desktop computer is relatively cumbersome compared with a notebook computer of equivalent power, it currently has a significantly better power/performance ratio. 2. Part of a graphical user interface which invites the user to imagine that some or all of the screen is an actual desktop on which actions analogous to those occurring on a physical desktop can be carried out. These include the opening and closing of folders, the entry and modification of text, the disposal of unwanted material into a wastebasket, and the use of communication systems analogous to telephones and mailboxes. The analogy is supposed to make life easier for office workers unused to computers. |
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Cite this article
JOHN DAINTITH. "desktop." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN DAINTITH. "desktop." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-desktop.html JOHN DAINTITH. "desktop." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-desktop.html |
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desktop
desk·top / ˈdeskˌtäp/ • n. the working surface of a desk. ∎ [as adj.] denoting a piece of equipment such as a microcomputer that is suitable for use at an ordinary desk: a desktop machine. ∎ a desktop computer. ∎ the working area of a computer screen regarded as a representation of a notional desktop and containing icons representing items such as files and a wastebasket. |
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Cite this article
"desktop." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "desktop." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-desktop.html "desktop." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-desktop.html |
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desktop
desktop The area of the computer shown by a Windows-based OPERATING SYSTEM. Called the desktop because it attempts to mimic the normal top of a desk holding folders and documents.
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Cite this article
DARREL INCE. "desktop." A Dictionary of the Internet. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. DARREL INCE. "desktop." A Dictionary of the Internet. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O12-desktop.html DARREL INCE. "desktop." A Dictionary of the Internet. 2001. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O12-desktop.html |
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desktop
desktop
•atop, bop, chop, clop, cop, crop, dop, drop, Dunlop, estop, flop, fop, glop, hop, intercrop, knop, kop, lop, mop, op, plop, pop, prop, screw-top, shop, slop, sop, stop, strop, swap, tiptop, top, underprop, whop, wop
•co-op • bebop • sweatshop • carhop
•hedgehop • bellhop • hiphop • flipflop
•clip-clop • bellyflop • megaflop
•gigaflop • teraflop • rollmop • coin-op
•lollipop • backdrop • airdrop
•sharecrop • namedrop • raindrop
•eavesdrop • Ribbentrop • Winthrop
•agitprop • outcrop • snowdrop
•stonecrop • turboprop • dewdrop
•gumdrop • teardrop • malaprop
•Aesop • sweetsop • milksop
•pawnshop • window-shop • toyshop
•bookshop, cookshop
•barbershop • workshop • ragtop
•blacktop • tanktop • laptop • backstop
•flat-top • hardtop • palmtop • desktop
•tabletop • maintop • treetop • hilltop
•whistle-stop • ripstop • longstop
•foretop • doorstop • shortstop
•screwtop • rooftop • worktop
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Cite this article
"desktop." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "desktop." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-desktop.html "desktop." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-desktop.html |
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