default (redirected from By default)

default

The current setting and action taken by software. Application programs have numerous defaults for myriad functions that determine everything from the font type and size that should be displayed when typing to the folder a file is saved in. A default setting implies that it can be changed by the user.

Because a particular setting may affect how the hardware operates, one can say there are "hardware defaults." However, unless there are physical switches or levers in the hardware that change the default, a default setting is in the software.

Default is also a verb. For example, "the program defaults to xyz," means that the program does xyz under these circumstances unless directed otherwise. See default browser, default directory, default drive, default font and default gateway.

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default

1. a failure to act, esp a failure to meet a financial obligation or to appear in a court of law at a time specified

2. judgment by default Law a judgment in the plaintiff's favour when the defendant fails to plead or to appear

3. Computing

a. the preset selection of an option offered by a system, which will always be followed except when explicitly altered

b. (as modifier): default setting

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default [di′fȯlt]

(computer science)

A value automatically used or an action automatically carried out unless another is specified.

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default

A substantive failure to fulfill a material obligation under a building contract.