A complete collection of the parameters is known variously as a program, patch or voice, depending on the manufacturer. In any case, programming a synthesizer means adjusting the parameters to get a sound you like. The program can then be stored in a bank of memory and recalled by a MIDI message. Optionally, programs can be stored on data cards, memory cartridges, cassette tape, floppy disks, or send out via MIDI to another synthesizer or a computer. The User Interface.
Most instruments are modal, with three or four distinct operations.
Edit the voices Edit Multi play setups Change the behavior of the instrument. The last category can include such things as tuning, MIDI channels received and transmitted, maybe the viewing angle of the display. Programs are not saved to a disk however, they are saved in a battery operated memory bank. You don't have to save them in the same place they came from, the save procedure will always give you a chance to pick the destination. Generally, changing edited programs without saving will result in the loss of all changes.