A
web desktop or
webtop is a
desktop environment embedded in a
web browser or similar
client application. A webtop integrates
web applications,
web services,
client–server applications,
application servers, and applications on the local client into a desktop environment using the
desktop metaphor. Web desktops provide an environment similar to that of
Windows,
Mac, or a
graphical user interface on Unix and Linux systems. It is a virtual desktop running in a web browser. In a webtop the applications, data, files, configuration, settings, and access privileges reside remotely over the network. Much of the computing takes place remotely. The browser is primarily used for display and input purposes.