A desktop computer is a personal computer that fits on or under a desk. It has a monitor or a display, keyboard, mouse, and either a horizontal or vertical (tower) form factor. The desktop environment remains to this day the best option for productivity, content creation, and even gaming.
Advantages
A powerful desktop computer is generally less expensive than a powerful notebook with similar specs.
Desktop processors are more powerful than corresponding laptop processors.
You can plug a lot of peripherals into desktops.
You get extra screen space
Fixing a desktop computer is easy and cheaper.
Desktops are secure and they last a long time.
Most components in a desktop are easily removable, making it easier to upgrade and since desktop cases are usually much bigger they're easier to work in when doing any upgrading.
Desktops are capable of using high-powered video cards that have higher power requirements and require better heat reduction/dissipation. Virtually any video card could be used on a desktop, including two or more video cards at the same time. Thus, they'll always yield better performance for gaming.
Types
Tower PCs: Most desktop PCs sold today are built in the tower form. A computer tower is a metal chassis that holds all of the computer's components. Towers are vertically-oriented, and are generally placed on the floor, next to the desk where you use your computer. Computer towers are available in an enormous variety of sizes to suit every need.
All-in-One PCs: All-in-one PCs, also known as all-in-one desktops, integrate the computer case and system components into the monitor so that the entire PC is contained all in one unit. All-in-one (AIO) desktop PCs offer the advantage of a smaller form factor than desktop PCs.
Workstations: A workstation is simply a desktop computer that has a more powerful processor, additional memory, high-end graphics adapters and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group of tasks, such as 3D graphics or game development
NUC PCs: NUC, which stands for Next Unit of Computing, is a small form factor computer kit manufactured by Intel.
The term "monitor" is often used synonymously with "computer screen" or "display." The monitor displays the computer's user interface and open programs, allowing the user to interact with the computer, typically using the keyboard and mouse.
Types
CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors: These monitors employ CRT technology, which was used most commonly in the manufacturing of television screens. With these monitors, a stream of intense high energy electrons is used to form images on a fluorescent screen. A cathode ray tube is basically a vacuum tube containing an electron gun at one end and a fluorescent screen at another end.
LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors: The LCD monitor incorporates one of the most advanced technologies available today. Typically, it consists of a layer of color or monochrome pixels arranged schematically between a couple of transparent electrodes and two polarizing filters. Optical effect is made possible by polarizing the light in varied amounts and making it pass through the liquid crystal layer.
LED (light-emitting diodes) monitors: LED monitors are the latest types of monitors on the market today. These are flat panel, or slightly curved displays which make use of light-emitting diodes for back-lighting, instead of cold cathode fluorescent (CCFL) back-lighting used in LCDs. LED monitors are said to use much lesser power than CRT and LCD and are considered far more environmentally friendly.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A DESKTOP PC
PROCESSORS: What is a processor? Also known as central processing units or CPUs, they’re the “brains” of your device. They’re the chips that carry out the core operations and calculations that drive everything else in your laptop. They also affect the battery drain. Unlike RAM and other components, it’s difficult to upgrade a processor once it’s in, so it’s important to choose the best laptop processor the first time
RAM: RAM or Random Access Memory is your PC’s “short-term memory”. When you load a program, open a file or do nearly anything else, that task is loaded into the RAM – so the more RAM, the more complex tasks your PC can focus on at once. Together with processing power, RAM helps your desktop PC’s operating system run more quickly and efficiently, as well as handling high-volume tasks like gaming.
OPERATING SYSTEM: An operating system (OS) is the main way you interact with your PC, providing a simple interface for installing and running programs, moving files around and so on. Windows and Mac OS are two of the most popular types of operating system. If you’re buying an Apple desktop like an iMac, you’ll likely be using Mac OS, while on most other PCs you’ll be using Windows. Other operating systems, such as Linux, are available too, though they take a bit more work and technical knowledge to set up and use.
STORAGE: All the files, programs and games on your PC are kept on its storage or hard drive, which you can think of as the computer’s “long-term memory”. The more storage available, the more you can keep on there. Desktop PCs usually have lots of storage, usually starting at 500GB to 1TB, which is plenty for the average user.
MONITORS: A desktop monitor is the screen you use to operate your PC. They’re usually sold separately to the main tower, unless you buy an all-in-one PC such as an iMac or HP EliteOne, in which case the internal components are all housed within the monitor unit. There’s a vast range of brands, sizes and features to choose from when buying a monitor. Much like a TV, the main things to consider are screen size, resolution and budget – how will you be using it, and what are you prepared to splash out for the best possible picture?
MOUSE & KEYBOARD: The mouse and keyboard has been the main way of operating PCs for decades, offering a simple and effective way to use the operating system, as well as for typing, browsing and gaming. Desktop PCs are often sold with a mouse and keyboard included, and for casual users the out-of-the-box models may be all they’ll need. However, there are more advanced (and stylish) options available for those who want them. Keen gamers will probably want to upgrade to a dedicated gaming mouse, which offers greater precision and a wider range of features than standard models.
