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{{Short description|Arrangement of computer hardware and software}}
{{More citations needed|date=June 2019}}
{{redirects|System settings|the MacOS application|System Settings}}
In [[information systems|communications]] or [[computer system]]s, a '''configuration''' of a system refers to the arrangement of each of its functional units, according to their nature, number and chief characteristics. Often, configuration pertains to the choice of hardware, software, [[firmware]], and documentation. Along with its architecture, the configuration of a computer system affects both its function and performance.

The configuration of a computer is typically recorded in a [[configuration file]]. In modern computer systems, this is [[auto-configuration|created and updated automatically]] as physical components are added or removed. Applications may assume that the configuration file is an accurate representation of the physical configuration and act accordingly.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is a configuration file? |url=https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/linux/what-configuration-file |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=www.redhat.com |language=en}}</ref>

Most modern computer systems provide a mechanism called the '''system settings''' (or "control panel") that permits users to set their preferences. These include system [[accessibility]] options (such as the default size of the [[system font]]), brightness and contrast; security and privacy; network selection and so on.

== See also ==

* {{Annotated link |Auto-configuration}}
* {{anli|BIOS settings}}
* {{Annotated link |Configuration management}}
** {{Annotated link |Software configuration management}}
* {{Annotated link |Configuration file}}
* {{Annotated link |Configurator}}
<!-- * {{anli|Settings (Android)}} -->
* {{anli|System Settings}} 
* {{anli|Settings (Windows)}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* [[Federal Standard 1037C]]


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[[Category:Computer configuration| ]]


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