Default refers to the original state / setting that a software application such as a web site browser, operating system, word processor, graphics package, irc chat program and ftp program is set at. You will also come across the term "default" in a range of other computer environments such as computer hardware peripheral software for soundcards and video cards. The default setting is a useful feature in a software application for when you make a mistake with the settings that produces an error and you have forgotten the original state of the program.