When using Unix-like operating systems, numerous applications requiring separate configurations are already installed within the framework of a default installation. Subsequently installed applications must also be configured separately, which eventually leads to countless configuration files in the operating system in use.

Since many applications are configured independently of each other, the configuration options may be contradictory without this being apparent from the individual settings. For example, a remote administration service might be listening on a port that is blocked by packet filtering rules. In this way, applications may provide additional functions that are not desired by the user or be blocked from providing important functions. This can make it more difficult (or impossible) to perform certain tasks on a client.