Glossary entry (derived from question below)
English term or phrase:
settings and preferences
English answer:
configuration and customization
Added to glossary by
German Hernandez
Nov 30, 2004 20:50
19 yrs ago
17 viewers *
English term
Canada
Translations from start to Finnish
Native in: Finnish 
Works in: English to Finnish, French to Finnish, Dutch to Finnish, and 2 more.
settings and preferences
English
Tech/Engineering
Internet, e-Commerce
Terms of service
"You can modify your settings and preferences in your Yahoo!Mail account"
What is the difference between settings and preferences?
What is the difference between settings and preferences?
Responses
Responses
+4
3 hrs
German Hernandez
Senior English Spanish Translator
Native in: Spanish
Works in: English to Spanish, Spanish to English
Related KudoZ points
:
4
Selected
configuration and customization
They could be equal, but settings refers to ways your account is managed, like get mail at start. And Preferences refers to items like start when PC is turned on, full screen, skins, the way you appear to others (invisible, away, etc.) Basically there is no difference.
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Elizabeth Sánchez León
9 mins
|
| agree |
Krisztina Vasarhelyi
2 hrs
|
| agree |
Java Cafe
2 hrs
|
| agree |
Pawel Gromek
6 hrs
|
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "That's the best way out of the predicament. Thanks."
5 mins
íàñòðîéêè è ïàðàìåòðû
äóìàþ òàê
5 mins
David Russi
United States
United States
Native in English
&
English
Works in field
United States
30+ years, stopped counting...
Native in: English 
, Spanish
Works in: English to Spanish, Spanish to English
Related KudoZ points
:
2
different configuration areas in the SW
They are just ways to differentiate between various types of parameters you can set.
Under Preferences, you probably select settings for diferent options... and you likely do the same thing under Settings, just with different options.
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 6 mins (2004-11-30 20:56:30 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
So, strictly speaking there is no difference, though in some SW they may be different areas where you adjust settings.
Under Preferences, you probably select settings for diferent options... and you likely do the same thing under Settings, just with different options.
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 6 mins (2004-11-30 20:56:30 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
So, strictly speaking there is no difference, though in some SW they may be different areas where you adjust settings.
3 mins
instellingen en voorkeuren
none
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 11 mins (2004-11-30 21:01:38 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
sorry ...
settings is about data on which the application operates, information that is essential for proper execution of the software.
preferences are not necessary for proper execution (the software will probably use default values); it\'s about optional settings to customize the \'look & feel\' and/or the functionality to the specific needs of the user.
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 11 mins (2004-11-30 21:01:44 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
sorry ...
settings is about data on which the application operates, information that is essential for proper execution of the software.
preferences are not necessary for proper execution (the software will probably use default values); it\'s about optional settings to customize the \'look & feel\' and/or the functionality to the specific needs of the user.
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 11 mins (2004-11-30 21:01:38 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
sorry ...
settings is about data on which the application operates, information that is essential for proper execution of the software.
preferences are not necessary for proper execution (the software will probably use default values); it\'s about optional settings to customize the \'look & feel\' and/or the functionality to the specific needs of the user.
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 11 mins (2004-11-30 21:01:44 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
sorry ...
settings is about data on which the application operates, information that is essential for proper execution of the software.
preferences are not necessary for proper execution (the software will probably use default values); it\'s about optional settings to customize the \'look & feel\' and/or the functionality to the specific needs of the user.
+2
1 hr
Alexander Demyanov
Specializes in field
Software Engineering background
Native in: Russian
Works in: English, Russian, Russian to English, and 1 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
4
You may be able to use just one word
If both are translated by the same word in your target, language, you will not commit a deadly sin if you say just "You can modify your settings in your Yahoo!Mail account".
While many applications distinguish between their lists of "settings" and "preferences", both are actually settings.
In mail applications, it's common to list things like names, passwords, servers, etc., under "settings" and color choices, sort orders, presentation options - under "preferences". The line is often blurred, and this is especially true with Yahoo!Mail. In the Mail Options screen, there are such headings as "Spam", "Management", and "Personalization".
I'd say items under "Spam" and "Personalization" are more of "preferences", while items under "Management" are settings.
While many applications distinguish between their lists of "settings" and "preferences", both are actually settings.
In mail applications, it's common to list things like names, passwords, servers, etc., under "settings" and color choices, sort orders, presentation options - under "preferences". The line is often blurred, and this is especially true with Yahoo!Mail. In the Mail Options screen, there are such headings as "Spam", "Management", and "Personalization".
I'd say items under "Spam" and "Personalization" are more of "preferences", while items under "Management" are settings.
Discussion