Thinking outside the box (sometimes erroneously called "thinking out of the box" or "thinking outside the square") is to think differently, unconventionally, or from a new perspective. This phrase often refers to novel or creative thinking.
Out of the box is the term used to denote items, functionalities, or features that do not require any additional installation. In addition to being used for tangible products, the phrase is often used in a less literal sense for software, which may not be distributed in an actual box but offer certain functions "out of the box," i.e. without modification. In the case of implementation of products that use other products, out of the box also has the connotation of using a system without customization, such that it is usable with a Vanilla Software installation. When a device fails when brand new, it is known as Out of Box failure.
Vanilla software is computer software that is not customized from its delivered form - i.e. it is used without any customizations applied to it. Vanilla software can become a widespread de facto industry standard, widely used by businesses and individuals.
