Configuration/Structure

English translation: see explanation

07:19 Nov 25, 2014
English language (monolingual) [PRO]
Tech/Engineering - Computers (general)
English term or phrase: Configuration/Structure
Does the following context describe the configuration or structure of the control system?
I am confused with the difference between the two. I'd appreciate if anybody can explain that to me.

"The control system includes a transmission device, a reception device , a control server , and a communication network. In the control system, the reception device receives instructions from the control server via the communication network and performs control actions accordingly."

Thank you.
torarin
Japan
Selected answer:see explanation
Explanation:
There's a lot of overlap between configuration and structure - they both describe how the parts are connected and how they interact.

To me, structure is a bit more permanent than configuration.

Configuration implies that a component is designed and intended to perform several different roles and is easily changed between those roles. The same computer can be configured as a workstation or a server and can easily be switched between these roles by changing a few parameters.

Structure is more durable. Parts are structured to create a car and it would not be easy to use the brake disks as the radio antenna. However, it would not be impossible. The walls of a building are its structure and you could knock down a wall and build a new one to change that structure.

If the design is intended to be flexible, we would be more likely to use configuration. If the design is not flexible, we would probably talk about structure. However, as I said, there is a great deal of overlap between the two terms.
Selected response from:

Terry Richards
France
Local time: 05:08
Grading comment
Thank you very much!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED
4see explanation
Terry Richards


  

Answers


1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
configuration/structure
see explanation


Explanation:
There's a lot of overlap between configuration and structure - they both describe how the parts are connected and how they interact.

To me, structure is a bit more permanent than configuration.

Configuration implies that a component is designed and intended to perform several different roles and is easily changed between those roles. The same computer can be configured as a workstation or a server and can easily be switched between these roles by changing a few parameters.

Structure is more durable. Parts are structured to create a car and it would not be easy to use the brake disks as the radio antenna. However, it would not be impossible. The walls of a building are its structure and you could knock down a wall and build a new one to change that structure.

If the design is intended to be flexible, we would be more likely to use configuration. If the design is not flexible, we would probably talk about structure. However, as I said, there is a great deal of overlap between the two terms.

Terry Richards
France
Local time: 05:08
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 8
Grading comment
Thank you very much!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

KudoZ™ translation help

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.


See also:
Term search
  • All of ProZ.com
  • Term search
  • Jobs
  • Forums
  • Multiple search