A desktop is the horizontal surface of a desk. It can support various objects, including:

• Pen holders
• Computer monitors
• Computer peripherals
• The top of a desk is easy to write on
• Calendars
• Misc. objects (including coffee cups , Kleenex and computer mice)
• Models of ships, airplanes, human skulls, etc. etc; often referred to as desktop model(s)

Computing

In computing, the term is used figuratively. Many graphical user interfaces (GUI) use a desktop metaphor. It consists of the screen contents "below" any windows, hence what is on the screen before any windows are opened, and what reappears when windows are closed. It usually shows icons for programs, documents or folders and possibly an image as wallpaper.

Systems that use desktops include:

• GNOME
• KDE
• Mac OS
• Microsoft Windows

When talking about computer hardware, a desktop computer is a personal computer that is too large to carry and designed to remain in the same place.

See also

• Desktop computer
• Desktop environment
• Desktop metaphor
• Portable object desktops