Desktop metaphor
The desktop ( from the English desk top for "( the ) table top " ) is in the computer, the desktop of a user interface (now mostly based on a graphical user interface). The desktop window is the lowest level. German terms for desktop are " working surface ", " desktop ", " desktop " or " desk top ". For standalone computers each user profile has its own desktop.
Word origin
Originally it was meant ( by the case) with the construction of the desktop desktop computer, which are either flat on the desktop ( desktop case ) are, but can also stand vertically next to the desktop ( tower case ). Since most computers are now built in tower case and at the same time the use of graphical user interfaces has become increasingly important, the term desktop is now used almost exclusively in connection with the latter. The word consists of Engl. desk for desk top and on the surface together.
Desktop metaphor
The desktop is the basis of so-called desktop metaphor. On the desktop more icons (pictograms ) can be arranged in the rule. Common desktops often contain symbols such as disk partitions, removable media and Trash, also any links to files and folders, or files and folders themselves
The technical implementation of the desktop metaphor is done by a work environment.
The desktop metaphor was developed in the 1970s at the Palo Alto Research Center ( PARC ), primarily by Alan Kay. It was first known to the Apple Macintosh in the market and is now an integral part of many graphical user interfaces, such as:
- Aero under Microsoft Windows (since Windows 8 now Modern UI)
- Aqua on OS X
- KDE, GNOME, Xfce and LXDE in Linux
- Series 60 on various mobile phones under Symbian
In many implementations of the desktop itself or a substantial part is represented by an excellent directory of the user. Under KDE, GNOME and Windows, it is the user's desktop directory.
There are also graphical interfaces, referred to as a desktop and still use a desktop metaphor. An X server with a simple window manager like twm does not have the above-mentioned symbols very well but a background layer, which can be termed as a desktop. KDE 4 supports instead of symbols only mini-programs ( " plasmoids " ) on the work surface, but which in turn can certainly view the contents of the desktop directory, making the "classic" behavior of other desktops can be simulated.
In the graphical user interface GEM from Digital Research, which was also part of the operating system of the TOS Atari ST computer ( 1985), the graphical shell was designated as a desktop, the program was called internally " DESKTOP.APP ".
Virtual desktop
A virtual desktop is a desktop having an area larger than the area of the representative screen. The extended area can be made available by scrolling or switching.
3D desktop
For the design of a desktop for clarity, easier navigation with a few clicks of the mouse, ergonomics, etc. are different approaches to application. One such concept is the 3D desktop. Here, a 3D world, the user is tricked, but which is shown in effect on the two-dimensional screen. Due to the 3D display can for example move and rotate 3D objects or multiple desktop views are offered. Examples of frequently used 3D desktops are KDE 4 and Compiz.