Desktop Definition and 80 Threads

In computing, a desktop environment (DE) is an implementation of the desktop metaphor made of a bundle of programs running on top of a computer operating system that share a common graphical user interface (GUI), sometimes described as a graphical shell. The desktop environment was seen mostly on personal computers until the rise of mobile computing. Desktop GUIs help the user to easily access and edit files, while they usually do not provide access to all of the features found in the underlying operating system. Instead, the traditional command-line interface (CLI) is still used when full control over the operating system is required.
A desktop environment typically consists of icons, windows, toolbars, folders, wallpapers and desktop widgets (see Elements of graphical user interfaces and WIMP). A GUI might also provide drag and drop functionality and other features that make the desktop metaphor more complete. A desktop environment aims to be an intuitive way for the user to interact with the computer using concepts which are similar to those used when interacting with the physical world, such as buttons and windows.
While the term desktop environment originally described a style of user interfaces following the desktop metaphor, it has also come to describe the programs that realize the metaphor itself. This usage has been popularized by projects such as the Common Desktop Environment, K Desktop Environment, and GNOME.

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  1. Vanadium 50

    The Most Hated PC CPU

    This was triggered by the thread on the collapse of Adobe's PrintGear. There have been a lot of CPUs that did not feel much love: the 80286, the AMD Bulldozers, the Celeron D, but the one that got absolutely creamed in public opinion was the IDT WinChip. Which is ironic, as it was a...
  2. DaveC426913

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    Hey! 40 years on PCs and now I'm a Mac guy, YAY! I'm onboarding at my new job, and there's a lot of content to cover on my own recognizance. I can't be asking my boss or coworker every time I need to remember whether print screen is Ctrl-Option-Staff-of-Ra-3 or Command-Function-Sarcophagus-3...
  3. Wrichik Basu

    Windows 7 desktop freezing every now and then

    We fixed our Windows 7 32-bit desktop a few weeks back by buying a new PSU for it (see this thread for details). Now a new problem has started: the PC freezes every now and then. 1. When the PC is powered on, it works fine for some time. Then the problem starts 2. Suppose I am moving the mouse...
  4. Wrichik Basu

    Desktop PC not turning on, blinking green LED on motherboard

    Our Windows 7 32-bit desktop PC is fitted with an Asus P7H55-M LX motherboard. It was working fine till yesterday evening, but from this morning, it won't turn on. (By this, I mean that it is not even starting the boot; the fan on the processor won't run.) My first guess was the PSU. So I...
  5. W

    Remote Desktop Connection between PCs -- Must they both be in the same Subnet?

    Hi, just looking at RDP connections https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4028379/windows-10-how-to-use-remote-desktop It would seem the two devices would have to be within the same LAN, right? Otherwise, how is just the computer name enough information to set up a connection? It seems for...
  6. berkeman

    Windows 10 Question: Different check mark fields on icons on the desktop

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  7. Wrichik Basu

    Turning a desktop PC into a WiFi hotspot using Connectify software

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  8. E

    What are the best diary desktop apps for Windows 7 with password protection?

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  9. L

    Misc. Can anyone suggest a suitable material for a Foucault pendulum platform?

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  10. dRic2

    Windows on Mac: Dual Boot or Virtual Desktop?

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  11. J

    C/C++ Java vs wxWidgets or GTK+ with c++ for a PC ground station

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  12. Y

    Desktop Very Slow: Help My Wife Troubleshoot Now

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  13. jamalkoiyess

    What is the computer hardware needed by a physicist?

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  14. P

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  15. RJLiberator

    Computer Building a Desktop Computer for Math/Physics

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  16. N

    How to create GUI on the windows7 Desktop?

    Dear Group, I am trying to to build a button ( with rectangle size) on the desktop of windows7, Whenever I click on that button, it will connect to batch file (which I created for some function) and run that batch file (filename.bat), Can you give me ideals that how to have that button on...
  17. N

    How to make square icons on the desktop to customize size

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  18. E

    What Does Your Desktop Wallpaper Say About You?

    Take a screenshot of your desktop and post it here! If you're feeling kind, include your wallpaper separately too. https://www.nasa.gov/content/hubble-s-high-definition-panoramic-view-of-the-andromeda-galaxy/
  19. P

    Does switch's Utilization Category AC-15 include a desktop?

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  20. G

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  21. Medicol

    New RAM bar into my free slot for gaming

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  22. S

    Measuring Motor Rotation with a Desktop Computer

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  23. Y

    Can I use my laptop as monitor for a desktop?

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  24. K

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  25. StevieTNZ

    What Does Your Desktop Background Say About You?

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  26. E

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  27. fluidistic

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  28. B

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  29. trollcast

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  30. B

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  31. T

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  32. J

    How does the computing power of my phone compare to my old desktop?

    This question came up in conversation the other day and I was wondering if anyone could quantify this. How far back in time must I go before I find a desktop computer that is only as powerful as my Nexus S smartphone? Would that be a Pentium III, for example? I understand that the answer...
  33. P

    Is remote desktop connection affected by security DLL functions in Windows?

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  34. I

    Laptop or Desktop + Netbook for Grad School?

    So, I'll be going to grad school in condensed matter physics in a couple years, and since my current laptop is on it's last legs I'll need a new computer. However, I do still have a nice monitor which still works. As I see it, I have two options: 1. Get a new laptop, and hook it up to the...
  35. S

    What Inspires Your Desktop Wallpaper Choice?

    *whoo* missed the "be descriptive! one/two word titles may be deleted!" warning by one word :P Post your current desktop: http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/8397/067fj.jpg Uploaded with ImageShack.us Every time I look at this, it makes me feel like I'm in the park again :) I...
  36. StevieTNZ

    What are some options for remote desktop connection on Windows XP and Windows 7?

    Hi there, I'm hoping for a free piece of software that acts much like this - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/tools/rdclientdl.mspx - but can run on a Windows XP Home desktop and Windows 7 Home laptop. Being able to connect to the laptop via the computer and vice versa is a must...
  37. MathWarrior

    Integral Calculus Wallpapers for Desktop - Study Math

    I find myself at the computer a lot and since I am studying math does anyone have suggestions for desktop wall papers that contain the formulas of integral calculus in order to memorize them?
  38. Ivan Seeking

    Show My Desktop - See How a Nerd Works!

    Since people are always giving me a bad time about my desktop, I thought it might be interesting to see how I compare. I'm guessing that mine is typical for a nerd? I deleted the name of my business under one folder. If you post, but sure to check for any potential privacy issues first. [If I...
  39. P

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  40. H

    How do I remove the fanof my motherboard INTEL DESKTOP BOARD D865GSA?

    I have attached the diagram of my motherboard and my fan. I also want to remove the heat sink that is integrated one. I would be too grateful if someone could give me video link to do this. Thanks in advance.
  41. G

    Desktop vs Laptop for Undergraduate Physics

    Hey, I'm going into physics in the fall for my first year. I'm going to be living at home and commuting to and from campus (about a half hour bus ride). My question is how often does a physics student use their laptop in class? I'm on a budget and I'd rather spend my money on a desktop and...
  42. D

    Internet Connection for Remote Access: Home PC or University Network?

    Ive recently been using remote access software to access my home PC from the university campus as it is much easier than carrying my laptop around everywhere. When it comes to downloading from the internet, which internet connection will be used? My home PC, or the university network? Or...
  43. C

    Idea for using a Desktop GPU on a Laptop to Drive Internal LCD

    There are a couple of products on the market which allow you to attach an external desktop gpu to the laptop and then use an external monitor and play games using the the desktop gpu instead of the weaker gpu in the laptop. It's a great idea but it means that you must carry an external...
  44. W

    Which Desktop Environment: KDE or GNOME?

    which is the best KDE or GNOME ?
  45. T

    Your opinion about buying a new desktop PC case?

    Use this link to see hardware specifications for my desktop PC. http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/gateway-f...?tag=mncol;rnav Due to a misunderstanding concerning the store warranty which was cleared up today, I discovered that buying a new case for my PC will not void the warranty of my...
  46. TheStatutoryApe

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  47. T

    Problems with newly purchased desktop PC.

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  48. wolram

    Organize Your Desktop: Avoid the Mushroom Patch

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  49. B

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  50. rootX

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