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The desktop metaphor is a user interface metaphor used in graphical user interfaces (GUIs). It is based on the idea of a desk, where a computer screen represents a user's workspace. On this virtual desk, users can arrange various objects, such as documents, folders, and applications, as if they were real-world items on a physical desk.

Key elements of the desktop metaphor include icons, which represent files, folders, and programs, and windows, which are rectangular areas on the screen that display the content of an application or document. The metaphor also includes concepts like the trash can or recycle bin, where deleted items are temporarily stored before permanent removal, mirroring a physical waste bin. Users interact with these elements through a pointing device, typically a mouse, to select, drag, and drop objects, simulating physical manipulation.

The desktop metaphor was popularized by Xerox PARC in the 1970s and was later adopted by Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows, becoming the dominant paradigm for personal computing. Its success lies in its intuitiveness, allowing users to understand and operate a computer system with minimal training by leveraging familiar real-world concepts. While other interface metaphors exist, the desktop metaphor remains a foundational concept in human-computer interaction.