Meaning of Desktop Computer

Meaning of Desktop Computer thumbnail
Meaning of Desktop Computer

A desktop computer has at least two separate components: the tower and the monitor. These machines are typically non-portable, weighing at least 20 pounds and taking up at least as much space as a couple heavy bread boxes. They are typically the least expensive kinds of computer on the market. As their components are larger, they are typically less expensive and higher performance than those offered on portable computers.

  1. Benefits

    • Desktop computers are preferable for people on a budget, artists looking for excellent performance and serious gamers who want to get the most performance for their money. Desktop computers can be built from spare parts and upgraded easily with a small amount of self-teaching or training. They are less likely to have problems with heat dissipation relative to laptops, as there is more room in a desktop for heat sinks, fans and other cooling equipment. Desktops are less likely to move around or be subjected to physical shock as well, shielding components from damage.

    Disadvantages

    • Desktop computers are not very portable. Some manufacturers create specially designed suitcases for transporting desktops safely and conveniently, but many of them---particularly large towers with heavy cooling equipment---are too heavy for most people to carry safely by themselves over longer distances. In addition, many people who do not have significant computing requirements will end up buying a more powerful computer than they really need to if they go with a desktop---although they will save money on purchasing one relative to a laptop.

    Considerations

    • A desktop typically lasts much longer than most notebook computers. A significant portion of notebook computer sales are made to corporations that regularly furnish their employees with new computers. This makes it so that laptops are not made to last more than 2 or 3 years at most, and typically start having significant issues if they are in use for longer than that---even if they are protected from shocks and other issues. For users who want a computer to last for years, a desktop is a far better choice, especially because it is so easy to replace parts that are either low performance or in need of replacement.

    Performance

    • The areas in which a desktop computer has the largest advantages relative to other computing options are in graphics, processor speed, heat dissipation and hard drive size. High power graphics processors for laptops are typically extraordinarily expensive and have problems with heat generation. In addition, desktop users can mix and match parts and hunt for the best prices.

    Effects

    • Desktop computers can be scaled-down budget machines for web-surfing and document-processing only or flashy behemoths used for the newest games hitting the market. Most offices rely mostly on desktop units because they are less expensive, require less support and maintenance, perform better and are more cumbersome to steal. They also consume significantly more power, as laptops are designed in part for power efficiency to maximize battery life.

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  • Photo Credit lemuelinchrist, Flickr

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