The pre-set value or action taken by hardware and software. Application have many defaults including ones that set the program's appearance on screen and the folder name for saving files. Although pre-determined by the vendor, a default setting can be changed by the user (see
settings). If something cannot be changed, it is not a default.
Hardware Defaults
Unless there are switches or dials on the physical equipment itself, a default setting in the computer or other hardware device (printer, scanner, etc.) is configured in software.
Noun and Verb
While a default is often a parameter or setting (noun), the word is also used as a verb to refer to some action. For example, "the program defaults to xyz," means that the program does xyz unless directed otherwise. See
parameter,
default browser,
default folder,
default drive,
default font and
default gateway.