Desktop personal computers (PCs) are small, relatively inexpensive computers that are designed for individual users. Typically, these devices include a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals. Desktop personal computers use a microprocessor technology that enables manufacturers to place an entire central processing unit (CPU) on a single chip. Businesses use desktop personal computers for word processing, accounting, graphic design, spreadsheet, and database management applications. Desktop personal computers are available with a variety of operating systems and processors. They provide random access memory (RAM) with separate internal and external caches and may even include Flash memory, a type of RAM that can retain information when the computer is powered off. 

Selecting desktop personal computers requires an analysis of storage specifications. Some devices include integrated drive electronics (IDE) or mass storage features that provide complete Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) functionality and compatibility. Other devices include a 1.44 MB 3.5” floppy drive or removable magneto-optic (MO) storage technology. Desktop personal computers with drives that can read or record compact disks (CDs) are commonly available. Compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) drives can read but not record information. By contrast, compact disk recordable (CD-R) drives can write once and read many times while compact disk rewritable (CD-RW) drives can read, write, erase, and rewrite disks. Disk drives that can read or record digital versatile disks (DVDs) are also available.

Desktop personal computers feature a variety of display, resolution, and user interface options. Cathode-ray tube (CRT) devices use an electron beam to illuminate phosphor dots and are suitable for users who require relatively high screen resolutions. Flat panel display (FPD) devices, which are often very thin, include technologies such as liquid crystal display (LCD) and gas plasma. LCD displays can be monochrome or color. Color displays can be passive matrix or active matrix. Monitors for desktop personal computers can provide a maximum resolution as large as 1600 x 1200 pixels. Many monitors meet standards such as video graphics array (VGA), super video graphics array (SVGA), extended graphics array (XGA), and super extended graphics array (SXGA). Interface options include built-in speakers and headset jacks. 

Desktop personal computers vary widely in terms of slots and expansion bays. Some use industry standard architecture (ISA). Others use peripheral component interconnect (PCI) technology. Input/output (I/O) ports can be serial, parallel, wireless, or networked. Universal serial bus (USB) is the standard serial bus for low-to-medium speed peripheral devices. Network protocols include Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Token Ring. Some desktop personal computers incorporate wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) or wireless local area network (WLAN) technology.