Semantic Desktop

Abstract

In this chapter, we exemplify the use of Semantic Web technologies in personal computing applications called semantic desktops. These applications combine ontologies, taxonomies, and metadata in general to enhance personal information management, software application usage, and collaboration. According to the semantic desktop community (URL: semanticdesktop.org):The use of ontologies, metadata annotations, and semantic Web protocols on desktop computers will allow the integration of desktop applications and the Web, enabling a much more focused and integrated personal information management as well as focused information distribution and collaboration on the Web beyond sending e-mails. The vision of the Semantic Desktop for personal information management and collaboration has been around for a long time: visionaries like Vannevar Bush and Doug Engelbart have formulated and partially realized these ideas.