A desktop computer is a personal computer designed for regular use at a single location on or near a desk or table due to its size and power requirements.
The most common configuration has a case that houses the power supply, motherboard (a printed circuit board with a microprocessor as the central processing unit (CPU), memory, bus, and other electronic components), disk storage (usually one or more hard disk drives, optical disc drives, and in early models a floppy disk drive); a keyboard and mouse for input; and a computer monitor, speakers, and, often, a printer for output. The case may be oriented horizontally or vertically and placed either underneath, beside, or on top of a desk.
A desktop is a term commonly used to describe a desktop computer or system unit. 2. In reference to software, desktop refers to the desktop environment, which is a Graphical User Interface metaphor that allows for interaction between the user and the operating system.