Any small, microcomputer that can literally fit on a desk, as opposed to a mainframe, which typically requires its own room. A desktop computer is essentially a compact unit consisting of a case containing the computer itself, including the CPU and other chips controlling all the peripherals that can be attached to the computer, as well as a hard disk drive, one or more floppy disk drives, and, increasingly, internal CD-ROM drives and modems. A monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse are also attached to the system.
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