Desktop computer

A desktop computer is a personal computer that fits on or under a desk. It has a monitor or another display, keyboard, mouse, and either a horizontal or vertical (tower) form factor. Unlike a laptop, which is portable, a desktop computer is meant to stay at one location.

• Desktop computer overview

Below is a picture of a computer with each of the main components that help make up a computer. In the picture, you can see the desktop computer, flat-panel display, speakers, keyboard, and mouse. We've also labeled each of the input devices and output devices.

• When did the first desktops appear

The first desktop computer was the Hewlett Packard 9100A, introduced in 1968. Since then, there have been many millions of desktop computers released and used throughout the world.

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