Windows to allow the user to change various program options are another place where developers commonly commit a usability faux pas or two. The most common mistakes are poorly-chosen defaults, inappropriate language for the target audience, and too many choices. Here are some guidelines for making a good one:
Choose defaults which fit the most number of people.
When possible, have changes take place immediately instead of requiring the user to click OK. If you do this, provide buttons to revert changes and also to set the default values.
Provide options for significant features. This would include things like default file format for CD ripper, European vs American date format, or the default account in a mail client. Unncessary options include "Use Ins key for paste" and "Confirm Program Quit".
Use language appropriate for the target audience as mentioned in Chapter 2. For example, the web browser option "Move system caret with focus/selection changes" requires some technical knowledge. A better way to label such an option would be "Allow text to be selected with the keyboard." Both refer to the same option. The difference is how many people can understand what it does.