Desktop environment

In graphical computing, a desktop environment (DE) commonly refers to a style of graphical user interface (GUI) that is based on the desktop metaphor which can be seen on most modern personal computers today. These graphical interfaces are designed to assist the user in easily accessing and configuring (or modifying) the most important (or frequently accessed) specific Operating System (OS) features, yet it is not meant to give access to all of the features found in an OS.

A desktop environment typically consists of icons, windows, toolbars, folders, wallpapers, shortcuts and desktop widgets.