Computer spot: A Desktop Computer

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 or portable computer. 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 theater PC 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. Apple has manufactured several popular examples of all-in-one computers, such as the original Macintosh of the mid-1980s and the iMac of the late 1990s and 2000s. Some older 8-bit computers, such as the Commodore PET 2001 or Kaypro II, also fit into this category. All-in-One PCs are typically more portable than other desktop PCs and many have been built with carrying handles integrated into the case. They can simply be unplugged and transported to a new location.

However, like laptops, All-in-One desktop computers tend to suffer from a comparative lack of upgradeability or hardware customization, as internal hardware is often placed in the back of the visual display unit. Furthermore, in the case of the iMac line since 2002, the CPU and other internal hardware units are, more or less, permanently glued to the motherboard due to space constraints.

However, latest models of the All In One Computer have changed their approach this issue. Many of the current offerings, like the Handii myFace and others, are using standard off-the-shelf components and are designing upgrade convenience into their products.

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 desktop is, that power consumption is not as critical as in laptop computers because the desktop is powered from the wall socket. Desktop computers also provides more space for heat to escape. The two large microprocessor manufacturers Intel and AMD develop special CPUs for mobile computers (i.e. laptops) that consume less power and lower heat, but with lower performance levels.

Gigabit Ethernet Cards

The current state of desktop computing has left the issue of desktop scalability in limbo in that many legacy desktops are Ethernet challenged in that they can only achieve speeds from 10mb to 100mb per second. It is time that we focus and address the use of PC PCI based Gigabit Ethernet (Gig E) capable network interface cards.² Many manufacturers are currently installing them in all new model desktop computers. The inclusion of gigabit speed Ethernet adapters has increased by leaps and bounds the switch to Server extension of the way we think about LAN and Wan networking. The uses of Gig E adapters have allowed many businesses to expand their infrastructures removing the bottlenecks of standard Ethernet connectivity. The combined use of Gig switching, category 6 or fiber cabling to the desktop has given IT enthusiasts cause to smile. Previously cost was the overriding factor in the hesitation to bring gigabit speeds to the desktop. This barrier has been broken with the introduction of lower cost drivers, new protocols and hardware that is designed to fit the PCI bus of newer model computers. Manufacturers have made standard gigabit internal and expansion cards truly bringing fiber speeds from the switch to the desktop. Faster access times add up to reduced costs on bandwidth and less time in accessing server resources modern servers come with Gigabit Ethernet ports to allow fast link to switching resources. Computers using these adapters show a marked increase in access to applications, handling and resolution of graphical interfaces and increased access up time bordering on 99.5% on average. Currently Gigabit adapters provide connectivity to network systems in the 1000BASE-T standard for Gigabit Ethernet over copper, Gigabit speeds can be widely deployed at less expense using standard Category 5 cabling also in 1998 Gigabit Ethernet over fiber optic cable as IEEE 802.3z¹

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 is not recommended for keyboard use, and stacking the monitor on the case aggravates posture problems.