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Desktop vs Background - What's the difference?

desktop | background |

In computing|lang=en terms the difference between desktop and background

is that desktop is (computing) of an application, converted to be carried out on a personal computer while background is (computing) activity on a computer that is not normally visible to the user.

As nouns the difference between desktop and background

is that desktop is the top surface of a desk while background is one's social heritage; what one did in the past/previously.

As an adjective desktop

is designed for use on a desk or similar piece of furniture.

As a verb background is

to put in a position that is not prominent.

desktop

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • The top surface of a desk.
  • (computing) A desktop computer.
    • Laptops are often more expensive than desktops .
  • (computing) The main graphical user interface of an operating system, usually displaying icons, windows and background wallpaper.
    • I installed a new application and it added its icon to my desktop .

    Related terms

    * palmtop * laptop

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Designed for use on a desk or similar piece of furniture.
  • (computing) Of an application, converted to be carried out on a personal computer.

    • Derived terms

    * desktop computer * desktop environment * desktop metaphor * desktop publishing ----

    background

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • One's social heritage; what one did in the past/previously.
  • A part of the picture that depicts scenery to the rear or behind the main subject; context.
  • * {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=May-June, author= William E. Conner
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  • Information relevant to the current situation about past events; history.
  • A less important feature of scenery (as opposed to foreground).
  • (computing) The image or color, over which a computer's desktop items are shown (e.g. icons or application windows).
  • (computing) Activity on a computer that is not normally visible to the user.

    • Derived terms

    * on background * background fodder

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To put in a position that is not prominent