What is the difference between laptop and desktop

Data is a collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video. Information conveys meaning and is useful to people. Computers process several data items to print information in the form of a cash register receipt. Computers process data input into information output.

Computers carry out processes using instructions, which are the steps that tell the computer how to perform a particular task. A collection of related instructions organized for a common purpose is referred to as software. A computer often holds data, information, and instructions in storage for future use.

Please spread the word. Difference between Desktop and Laptop. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. MLA 8 Douglas, Gillian. Thanks for sharing this information that the screen size can be extended in desktop… awesome content.

Name required. Email required. Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Written by : Gillian Douglas. Principles of Computer Hardware: Fourth Edition. OUP Oxford, 9 Feb.

Upgrading and Repairing PCs: 22nd Edition. User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. What is a Laptop? Similarities Most Desktops and Laptops are sold with pre-installed software and operating systems like Windows 7, or if it is an Apple computer, then the Mac OS.

Peripheral devices can be connected such as external hard drives, printers, cameras, and phones, etc. The Main Difference Between Desktop and Laptop The biggest and most noticeable difference is the Desktop needs basic external devices to be fully functional, whereas the Laptop has all necessary devices built-in, making it the most portable.

Mobility A Desktop stays in the office or home and needs the computer terminal to be connected to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse; whereas the Laptop has the built-in components and thus easily transported as one complete device that can be used in most environments. Power The Laptop can run off AC power, batteries, or mains power, whereas the Desktop can only run off the main powers.

It is not manufactured for any battery use. It is named as laptop, as one can easily place it on the lap and work on it. They are also different from the desktop as they do not need a desk to use them. However, the functionality of a laptop is quite similar to that of a desktop. One of the disadvantages of a laptop over a desktop is that — due to the laptop's small size and portability, it is vulnerable to theft.

Laptops are known for their portability and compact size. Laptops are usually preferred by the people who want to take it along while traveling. It provides the same functionalities as the desktop computers; therefore laptops are preferred by regular travelers. People often carry their laptops to the office, as this provides them with the flexibility to work at home, as well as office, on the same files without transferring the data or installing the set up. A heated debate over the preference may often occur.

A laptop, on the other hand, is much harder to upgrade. Much of the internal hardware in a laptop is often difficult to access, remove and replace. Because of this, the cost to repair or upgrade a laptop is often much more expensive than having the same task performed on a desktop.

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