What's the difference between "automatic" and "automated" ?

Automatic generally refers to a piece of equipment which performs its intended purpose without human intervention.

Automated means a process has been configured to use automatic equipment thereby reducing or eliminating human intervention.

Automatic - A Process / Steps which is programmed to be worked independantly. ( A definition/Specification level)

Automated - The Process defined above is now implemented and no human intervention is required.

The difference is only at the phase/stage you refer to.

Automatic refers to anything which happens on a particular event, this would apply to reflex actions, like putting your hand in front of your face to fend off a blow, or the start of a Windows service like the print spooler when you send the print command. Automated refers to a system of putting actions together to remove any need for intervention, as in a production line.

Automation means the use of computers to control industrial machinery and processes, replacing human operators. Automatic means still you will need a human operator to start things. For example AC is an automatic cooler but still we have to turn it on

"automatic" means continuously.

automated means it is not automatic but it can be made aotomatic.

Please check www.answers.com for these two words meaning.