The desktop is the primary interface of a computer where users can interact with files, folders, and applications. It serves as a visual workspace that displays icons, shortcuts, and background images, allowing for easy navigation and access to essential tools and documents. The desktop typically includes system menus, taskbars, or docks to help manage open applications, switch between tasks, and organize files. The layout can often be customized to suit user preferences, making it a central part of the computing experience in operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux.