Desktop Computers

Supercomputers are capable of some serious computing, so it's not surprising that they're used for serious purposes. In 2012, a new champion claimed the top spot of fastest computer. What was it?

By Patrick J. Kiger

Set your computer for energy savings. In this article, learn how to set you computer to save energy.

By Jaymi Heimbuch

It's been a rumor for years -- the desktop computer will soon be extinct. But with netbooks, smartphones, tablets and cloud computing, is the rumor finally going to come true?

By Josh Briggs

Computers have come a long way in the past few decades -- from filling up a room to slim and sleek designs that can nearly fit in your pocket. Take a look at some of the old and new models and learn about all the different features and types of these amazing machines.

Whether you are shopping for a new laptop or just curious about the latest technologies on the market, take a look at our image gallery.

Fabric PCs weigh less than a pound (0.45 kilograms) and have a display so flexible that it can be rolled and folded. Will this concept become a reality?

By Isaac Perry Clements

In cloud computing, programs and files are stored on a centralized computer or network. It's rumored that Google and Apple are teaming up to bring a cloud computer to the masses.

By Chris Pollette

Most PCs use simple electrical fans to keep them cool. But upgrading to a liquid-cooling system can keep high-end gaming PCs running faster for longer.

By Tracy V. Wilson & Talon Homer

We're already on the cusp of one of the next big media revolutions -- media-center PCs. The goal is to overcome the overlaps in the way we work and play, making the separation between home computers and entertainment systems obsolete.

By Julia Layton

We've all used one, and most of us are sitting in front of one right now. Curious to know what's going on inside that ever-present PC? Here's your chance to find out - without prying open your own.

By Jeff Tyson & Talon Homer

Did you know it takes two full weeks for a microprocessor plant to produce one silicon-based microprocessor? Imagine being able to make one yourself by downloading designs and then printing it on your desktop fabrication machine.

By Kevin Bonsor

Scientists have already built basic quantum computers that can perform specific calculations; but a practical quantum computer is still years away. Learn what a quantum computer is and just what it'll be used for in the next era of computing.

By Kevin Bonsor & Jonathan Strickland

In your body is more computing power than in any manmade supercomputer. The future of computing bypasses silicon in favor of the far-more-powerful DNA strand, and the possibilities are endless. Learn how DNA could replace the silicon microprocessor.

By Kevin Bonsor

What is the world's fastest computer? Well, there's the MDGrape-3 and a few other supercomputers, or there's another one that may surprise you ...

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors