Editing Desktop metaphor (section)

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{{Original research|date=March 2009}}
{{Refimprove|date=September 2010}}
}}{{short description|Concept used on desktop computer graphical user interfaces}}
[[File:GNOME-Screenshot-2.10-FC4.png|thumb|upright=1.35|A computer desktop, with various folders and files visible, including a manila folder and a trash can]]
[[File:Writing desk.jpg|thumb|The computer interface is a [[conceptual metaphor]] of a [[writing desk]].]]

In [[computing]], the '''desktop metaphor''' is an [[interface metaphor]] which is a set of unifying concepts used by [[graphical user interface]]s to help users interact more easily with the computer.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/~l0f0954/academic/cpsc610/hw2-3.htm|title=Desktop Metaphor|website=www.csdl.tamu.edu|access-date=2011-06-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010222011552/http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/~l0f0954/academic/cpsc610/hw2-3.htm|archive-date=2001-02-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> The desktop metaphor treats the [[computer monitor]] as if it is the top of the user's [[writing desk|desk]], upon which ''objects'' such as [[document]]s and [[File folder|folders]] of documents can be placed. A document can be opened into a [[window (computing)|window]], which represents a paper copy of the document placed on the desktop. Small applications called [[Desk accessory|desk accessories]] are also available, such as a desk calculator or notepad, etc.

The desktop metaphor itself has been extended and stretched with various implementations of [[desktop environment]]s, since access to features and [[usability]] of the computer are usually more important than maintaining the 'purity' of the [[metaphor]]. Hence one can find trash cans on the desktop, as well as disks and network volumes (which can be thought of as [[filing cabinet]]s—not something normally found ''on'' a desktop). Other features such as [[menu bar|menu bars]] or [[taskbar|taskbars]] have no direct counterpart on a real-world desktop, though this may vary by environment and the function provided; for instance, a familiar [[Calendar (stationery)|wall calendar]] can sometimes be displayed or otherwise accessed via a taskbar or menu bar belonging to the desktop.