control panel

(kən′trōl ′börd)

(electricity) A panel at which one can make circuit changes, as in lighting a theater.
(engineering) A panel in which meters and other indicating instruments display the condition of a system, and dials, switches, and other devices are used to modify circuits to control the system. Also known as control panel; panel board.

---

The software equivalent of a physical control panel that provides options for the user to change the appearance or actions in an application; in system software such as the operating system; or in the hardware. In Windows, control panels are used to configure the OS and hardware, while "options," "tools" or "preferences" menus are used to change functions within applications.

If a control panel is not modified by the user, the default settings are used. See default and preferences.

Windows Control Panels

The Windows operating system provides a series of control panels for changing settings in the hardware and software.

Download Computer Desktop Encyclopedia to your iPhone/iTouch

One or more panels comprised of an assembly of master switches, adjustable controls, indicating dials or numerical readouts, and the like, used to control and monitor the state of a remotely operated system (e.g., a lighting system, sound system, or air conditioning system) and equipment.

---

Control Panel	replacement control panel