A computer can have settings — Computing, 4–6
Settings let you change how a device looks or behaves without changing what the app is for. Brightness, language, sound and text size are common examples.
Settings change the way a device works for you
A setting is a choice that changes the device’s behaviour or appearance. You might make the letters larger, turn the sound down or choose another language. The app can still do the same job; it is just arranged in a way that suits you better.
Why do devices have settings?
People do not all see, hear or use a screen in the same way. A fixed sound, text size or language would make a device awkward for many people. Settings let one device serve different people and different places, instead of needing a separate device for every preference.
Making words easier to read
Suppose the words on a tablet look too small. First, you open Settings and choose Text size. Next, you move the size from 100% to 150%. The letters become larger, but your message and the app’s job stay the same. If it feels too large, you can choose a smaller size again.
A setting is not the same as new information
It is reasonable to think that making text bigger creates more words, because more of the screen is filled. In fact, the setting changes how the same words are shown, not what the message says. It may mean that fewer words fit on each line, but no words have been added.
Settings in everyday life
You can change a tablet’s text size, a television’s sound, a phone’s language or a lamp’s brightness. Some settings help someone see or hear more easily; others help a device fit a quiet room or a sunny place. Choose a setting, try it, and change it again if it does not suit you.
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