(PR WEB) July 30, 2009 -- What Is the Windows Registry?
In many ways, computers are magic. Billions of electrons flow across a screen to create the illusion of a picture that we seem to control. A magnet holds bits of information in place to indicate if a bit is off or on, and millions of these bits combine to form files that hold our information. Powerful graphics, sound and Internet capabilities combine to form powerful applications for work or games for our amusement.
The vast majority of computers run on some version of Microsoft operating systems (OS), which brings the computer to life. Although Microsoft is sometimes criticized for its Windows OS, the task of creating a system that will run an unknown quantity of diverse software on an unknown combination of hardware created and compiled by manufacturers from all over the world is a daunting one at best. Frankly, it’s amazing that computers ever work, given all the variables. It really seems like magic.
Of course, it isn’t magic, it’s the result of decades of development and the PC continues to evolve. At the core of the Microsoft system is the Windows Registry, an amazingly simple yet complex assembly of information, codes and keys that control every aspect of the computer. The structure is simple, although the accumulated wealth of cress-referenced information can become quite large and complex.
The registry is basically made up of “keys” and “values.” The keys are essentially folders for information about a particular computer element and how it should run. The values are the information. Computer components receive their operating orders, so to speak, based upon the expected value in the keys. The complexity comes from the ability to store subkeys -- keys within a key – and subkeys within other subkeys. Values themselves can be as simple as a 1 or 0, or a word or a string of characters or words. All of which is grouped into logical sections within the registry known as hives. The registry controls who can log on to the computer, records Internet surfing settings and historical information, location of files and hardware, current settings and configurations, software and applications etc.
One drawback to the registry is that if something goes wrong, it can be extremely time consuming and practically impossible to trace the error manually. There is simply too much information to sift through. There is serious risk involved as well, in that one mistake can have extensive consequences to the entire system. Not surprisingly, several software companies have developed programs for the non-expert to optimize the Windows Registry quickly and efficiently.
One website that reviews and compares registry cleaning software is Answer Registry Reviews at www.answer-registryreviews.com. The site offers relevant articles on the Windows Registry and compares various registry cleaning software products. The website even offers links to directly download and purchase products such as RegCure, Registry Mechanic and Registry Easy (among others) online. If your Windows system is running slowly or you suspect a virus, Answer Registry Reviews should be the first stop for information on what might be causing the problem and to download a product that would meet your needs to correct it.
