My Computer Desktop
A my computer desktop is a computer that fits on or under a desk. They utilize peripheral devices for interaction, such as a keyboard and mouse for input, and display devices like a monitor, projector, or television. Desktop computers can have a horizontal or vertical (tower) form factor, or be combined with a monitor to create an All-in-One computer. Unlike a laptop, which is portable, desktop computers are generally made to stay at one location.
My Computer Desktop is a Microsoft Windows feature first found in Windows 95 and included with all later versions that allows you to explore and manage the contents of your computer drives. You will see on the screen of the My Computer icon in Microsoft Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, and the "This PC" icon in Windows 8 and in Windows 10. Although the name has changed, "This PC" still has the same functionality as "My Computer."
When did the first desktops appear?
The first desktop computer was the Hewlett Packard 9100A, introduced in 1968. Since then, there were many millions of desktop computers released and used throughout the world.
Design concepts of My Computer Desktop
The Windows My Computer Desktop has the following program access points:
- Work area. The onscreen area where users can perform their work, as well as store programs, documents, and their shortcuts. While technically the desktop includes the taskbar, in most contexts it refers just to the work area.
- Start button. The access point for all programs and special Windows places (Documents, Pictures, Music, Games, Computer, Control Panel), with "most recently used" lists for quick access to recently used programs and documents.
- Quick Launch. Removed from Windows 7. A direct access point for programs selected by the user.
- Taskbar. The access point for running programs that have desktop presence. While technically the taskbar spans the entire bar from the Start button to the notification area, in most contexts taskbar refers to the area in between, containing the taskbar buttons. This area is sometimes referred to as the taskband.
- Deskbands. Not recommended. Minimized functional, long-running programs, such as the Language Bar. Programs that minimize to deskbands don't display taskbar buttons when minimized.
- Notification area. A short-term source for notifications and status, as well as an access point for system- and program-related features that have no presence on the desktop.
How to get “This PC” icon on your desktop in Windows 10?
- Right-click the My Computer Desktop and click Personalize
- In Personalization, find and select Themes
- In themes, find and click Desktop icon
- A window will appear with Desktop icon settings
- Find and select Computer under Desktop Icons
- Apply changes and press OK
How to Display the My Computer Icon on the Windows 7 Desktop ?
Many Windows system users that have been with the operating system since an early version like Windows XP have become comfortable using applications a certain way, and finding files a certain way. If you are one of those individuals and you relied on a specific icon to access your important folders and files, then you may be wondering where to find the My Computer icon in Windows 7.
There are many ways to browse the folder and files on your Windows 7 computer, and one popular method is to click the Computer button on the Start menu. But if you prefer to navigate your files from your Desktop, then you may be looking for a way to get to the “My Computer” location from there instead.
Windows 7 allows you to personalize your My Computer Desktop with a number of different icons that can take you directly to some popular locations. Our guide below will show you how to add a Computer icon to your desktop to provide you with another method for getting to your files.
Change the Desktop Icons via Personalize Window!
- Please use the Keyboard Shortcut Windows+I click "Personalize" and select Themes
- Scroll down or find it on the right side in this Window
- Click or tap on the text Desktop icon settings!
The 4 Functions of a Computer
The four functions of a My Computer Desktop actually explain the core reasons why it was built. They include:
- Data input
- Data processing.
- Information output.
- Data and information storage.
How to open My Computer?
In all Windows versions, you can use the keyboard to open My Computer without using the mouse. Pressing the shortcut keys Windows key+E opens My Computer (Explorer). Your computer's drives and any installed devices are listed under the "This PC" section on the left.
- Get to the Windows desktop and open Start menu, or navigate to the Start Screen if you are using Windows 8.
- In earlier versions of Windows, after clicking Start, select My Computer. Or, on the desktop, double-click the My Computer icon. In Windows Vista and Windows 7, select Computer from the Start menu. In Windows 8 and Windows 10, select This PC from the Window's File Explorer.
How to use My Computer Desktop?
Once My Computer Desktop (This PC) is open, you will see all available drives on your computer. The primary location of all your files is the Local Disk (C:), which is the default hard drive that stores all files. Double-click this drive icon to open it and view its contents.
How Do I Get My Desktop Back to Normal on Windows 10
In this section, we will show you how to get my desktop back to normal on Windows 10. In this situation, you can choose to disable Tablet Mode to continue.
- Press Windows key and I key together to open Settings.
- In the pop-up window, choose System to continue.
- On the left panel, choose Tablet Mode.
- Check Don’t ask me and don’t switch.
How to Restore My Computer Icon to the Windows 10 Desktop?
Windows 10 improved upon its predecessors in a number of ways, but it changed a number of things that some users may have grown to rely upon. If you're one of those who miss the My Computer Desktop icon on the desktop, we've got a way to bring that old reliable button back.
- Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize.
- Click Themes.
- Click "Go to desktop icon settings."
- Check the box next to Computer. You can also check the boxes for Control Panel, Network and User's Files to bring those to the desktop.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
- Right-click on This PC.
- Select Rename.
- Type "My Computer."
- Click Enter.
Adjust system settings with My Computer Desktop
To manage or view your computer settings, right-click the My Computer Desktop icon and then click Properties. Performing these steps opens your System Properties (the same window accessible through the Control Panel).