Depending on context, the term may be used in several ways as follows.
Any User's Machine
A desktop PC can refer to any user's machine, whether Windows, Mac or Linux or style of case. However, the term "PC" by itself would be more common for this generic usage, and the terms "Windows desktop," "Mac desktop," etc. would be more specific. See desktop computer.
Client Vs. Server
The desktop PC is a client (the user's machine) in contrast to a network server. See desktop computer, client and server.
Stationary Vs. Portable
The desktop PC is a user's computer in a desktop or tower case in contrast to a portable computer (see laptop).
On Top or On the Floor
The desktop PC is a user's computer in a case designed for the top of the desk in contrast to a vertical tower case that stands on the floor. See tower.
Any User's Machine
A desktop PC can refer to any user's machine, whether Windows, Mac or Linux or style of case. However, the term "PC" by itself would be more common for this generic usage, and the terms "Windows desktop," "Mac desktop," etc. would be more specific. See desktop computer.
Client Vs. Server
The desktop PC is a client (the user's machine) in contrast to a network server. See desktop computer, client and server.
Stationary Vs. Portable
The desktop PC is a user's computer in a desktop or tower case in contrast to a portable computer (see laptop).
On Top or On the Floor
The desktop PC is a user's computer in a case designed for the top of the desk in contrast to a vertical tower case that stands on the floor. See tower.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
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- Software downloads 2009-11-20
- Chrome OS will give Microsoft a run for their money
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- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
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- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
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- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
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- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
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- Live from Googleplex: Chrome OS details revealed
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- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
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- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- Hands-on with the HTC HD2, most impressive Windows Mobile device to date
- I like what HTC is doingYou've got the Hero and the HD2. I'd like to see what the difference is in performance between the two, but the Hero has a slower processor. Personally, I like the Windows Mobile platform, and it is the best option for Windows-based IT...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
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- Software downloads 2009-11-19
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- Microsoft still firmly planted in the LAST century.NTLinux Kernel speaks?Hmmm, I'd fear for the future of Linux if this is what comes out of it. You'd think the "many eyes" would have caught such silly logic in the kernel years ago...and looking ready to dominate this oneas well.Google is...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-18
- Disks: why size means performance
- OK, Smarty pants...How do I use only the outer-most sectors of my 500GB disk?Performance != reliabilitySeagate has progressively gotten worse with reliability - that's why they cut the 5-year warranty back down to 3 years. Western Digital has made great strides with reliability though. WD isn't focussing on...
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- Software downloads 2009-11-18
- Blue Iris 2.32 (Windows)
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- Software downloads 2009-11-18
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- Discussion threads 2009-11-17
- Google to demo Chrome OS; Detail launch plans
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- Discussion threads 2009-11-17
- HP Pavilion Elite owner resorts to lawsuit over 'inherently defective' PC
- My HP Pavilion Elite... / HP quality controlMy HP Pavilion Elite came with an obviously defective, and defectively designed, video card. After about eight months, the video card model was finally recalled.My previous HP desktop computer went for about five years without a problem.HP's quality control is clearly going down...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-17
- HP Pavilion Elite owner resorts to lawsuit over 'inherently defective' PC
- The owner of an Pavilion Elite desktop PC is suing HP claiming the system he bought is "inherently defective," and regularly locks up within 20 minutes of use. by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
- Blog posts 2009-11-17
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