Definition: hardware profile

Settings that define a specific configuration of peripherals and drivers. Multiple profiles let users set up more than one hardware configuration, which is commonly done when a laptop also serves as a desktop computer. The desktop profile activates one set of peripherals, the laptop profile another.

A separate hardware profile is also used as a last resort when an application conflicts with one of the drivers that is routinely loaded. A special profile is created that boots the computer without the problem driver so the application can run. In order to run the rest of the programs, the machine must be rebooted with the regular profile.