systems and methods are provided for personalizing software programs in a computer system . in accordance with one implementation , default values for personalization data adapted to or harmonized with the individual needs or preferences of the end - user are provided to a plurality of end - users at start - up of a program . further , two personalization levels are provided , including a first personalization level containing administrative personalization data which can be set by a system administrator , and a second personalization level containing individual personalization data , which can be set by the end - user . a data filing system for this personalization data may be of a hierarchical structure .