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Default vs Backup - What's the difference?

default | backup |

In computing|lang=en terms the difference between default and backup

is that default is (computing) to assume a value when none was given; to presume a tentative value or standard while backup is (computing) that is intended as a backup.

As nouns the difference between default and backup

is that default is (finance) the condition of failing to meet an obligation while backup is a reserve or substitute.

As a verb default

is to fail to meet an obligation.

As an adjective backup is

standby, reserve or extra.

default

English

(wikipedia default)

Noun

(en noun)
  • (finance) The condition of failing to meet an obligation.
    • He failed to make payments on time and is now in default .
    You may cure this default by paying the full amount within a week.
  • (electronics, computing) the original software programming settings as set by the factory
  • A loss incurred by failing to compete.
    • The team's three losses include one default .
  • A selection made in the absence of an alternative.
    • ''The man became the leader of the group as a default .
  • * {{quote-news
    • , year=2011 , date=December 15 , author=Felicity Cloake , title=How to cook the perfect nut roast , work=Guardian citation , page= , passage=One of the darlings of the early vegetarian movement (particularly in its even sadder form, the cutlet), it was on the menu at John Harvey Kellogg's Battle Creek Sanitarium [sic], and has since become the default Sunday option for vegetarians – and a default source of derision for everyone else.}}
  • (often, attributive) A value used when none has been given; a tentative value or standard that is presumed.
    • If you don't specify a number of items, the default is 1.
  • (legal) The failure of a defendant to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
  • (obsolete) A failing or failure; omission of that which ought to be done; neglect to do what duty or law requires.
    • This evil has happened through the governor's default .
  • (obsolete) Fault; offence; wrong act.
  • * Spenser
    • And pardon craved for his so rash default .
  • * Alexander Pope
    • regardless of our merit or default

    Related terms

    * by default

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To fail to meet an obligation.
    • If you do not make your payments, you will default on your loan.
  • To lose a competition by failing to compete.
    • If you refuse to wear a proper uniform, you will not be allowed to compete and will default this match.
  • (computing) To assume a value when none was given; to presume a tentative value or standard.
    • If you don't specify a number of items, it defaults to 1.
  • (legal) To fail to appear and answer a summons and complaint.

    • Related terms

    * by default * default on * in default

    Anagrams

    * ----

    backup

    English

    Alternative forms

    * back-up

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A reserve or substitute.
    • If the goalkeeper is injured, we have a backup .
  • (computing) A copy of a file or record, stored separately from the original, that can be used to recover the original if it is destroyed or damaged.
    • After the power failure, we had to restore the database from backup .
  • An accumulation of material that halts the flow or movement of something.
    • The blockage caused a backup in the plumbing.
  • (law enforcement) reinforcements
    • He's got a gun - you better send for backup .

    Synonyms

    * (reserve ): reserve, stand-in, spare, substitute * (computing: copy of a file or record ): * (accumulation of material that halts flow ): block, blockage

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Standby, reserve or extra.
    • I am only a backup player.
  • (computing) That is intended as a backup.
    • Make a backup copy of that file.

    Synonyms

    * (reserve) extra, reserve, spare, standby

    Usage notes

    Back-up'' is an alternative spelling of backup. Both spellings are used as either a noun or an adjective. The verb ''back up is always spelled as two words and never with a hyphen.