In the technology space, default refers to a predefinition that has been set up in a computer program to execute a task based on a value used before.

The standard configuration essentially avoids users having to manually input information on how they want something to be done every time they access a product (be it a web page or a software).

For example, a main printer in an office is usually set up as a default printer for the majority of that company’s workers.

In computing there are different types of default. There is default hardware configuration, default software and default network configurations.

Hardware default corresponds to a pre-built system with standard specifications, while default software describes preset settings.

In default network configurations this usually refers to protocols.

Default configurations can however be changed if needed in most circumstances.