A desktop Computer is a personal Computer (PC) in a form intended for regular use at a single location, as opposed to a mobile laptop or portable computer. Prior to the wide spread of microprocessors a computer that could fit on a desk was considered remarkably small. Today the phrase usually indicates a particular style of computer case.
Desktop computer come in a variety of styles ranging from large vertical tower cases to small form factor models that can be tucked behind a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitor. In this sense, the term 'desktop' refers specifically to a horizontally-oriented case, usually intended to have the display screen placed on top to save space on the desktop.
Most modern desktop computers have separate screens and keyboards. A specialized form of desktop case is used for home theatre systems, incorporating front-panel mounted controls for audio and video.
