What is a value, action, or setting that a computer system assumes unless the user gives explicit instruction to change it?

The term that describes a value, action, or setting that a computer system assumes unless the user provides explicit instruction to change it is known as a default. Defaults are predetermined configurations set by software developers that simplify the user experience by enabling the system to function with minimal setup. When a user does not specify their preferences or make changes, these default settings are automatically applied.

For instance, when installing a new application, it often comes with default settings for things like appearance, notifications, and file formats. This allows the application to be usable right away without requiring the user to configure every aspect manually. Users can always modify these defaults to better suit their individual needs, but the presence of defaults ensures that there is a baseline from which they can start.

The other terms like preference, option, and standard setting do not encompass this concept as clearly. Preferences typically refer to settings that users can customize, options may imply choices available to the user rather than defaults, and standard settings may refer to commonly accepted configurations but lack the specificity of the term default in relation to the system's behavior.