Need quick help about a word

[oc0110]

What is the proper way to say desktop computers (PC)?

I need to write the word in an essay, but I don't want it to sound too informal.

[Volbet]

In which context is the word used? usually you would just say either computer or PC.

[squirrl]

There isn't really an informal way of saying it.

Unless you say something like " 'puter "

[oc0110]

the sentence will go along the lines of "to build a custom desktop computer(?)"

[squirrl]

That's fine.

 

the sentence will go along the lines of "to build a custom desktop computer(?)"

[Geekazoid]

There isn't really an informal way of saying it.

Unless you say something like " 'puter "

What's wrong with 'puter? I use it all the time. (JK)

[Geekazoid]

the sentence will go along the lines of "to build a custom desktop computer(?)"

Yeah that's totally fine dude!

No, seriously, it's fine.

[oc0110]

thanks guys 

[Geekazoid]

thanks guys 

Thanks for being polite and saying "thanks". Politeness FTW.

[Alec Harpers]

the sentence will go along the lines of "to build a custom desktop computer(?)"

Desktop computer is fine but you can use PC as well . It's not informal at all (stands for Personal Computer so it's fine) . Also "PC" generally refers  to non-mac computers (windows , linux , etc) and "desktop computer" encompases macs as well . Don't know if that last bit of information helped but there it is .

[ZeroBreaker]

Personally I always formally use the phrase Personal Computer, it's the only phrase the whole world is comfortable with and understands - know many friends from the east who don't really get it when i say desktop computer, but PC is the most common way of referring to a computer.