The Basics of Your Computer Registry

Your computer’s registry is essentially your computer’s brain, keeping your computer’s functions in top form for optimal computer performance. Over time, bits of lost or scattered information creep into your registry, causing it to ultimately malfunction. You know you need to keep it safe, but have you ever wondered what exactly it does?
What the Registry Does
In technical terms, a registry is a computer’s main database, comprised of information detailing specific computer configurations, including hardware, software, system data, and your set preferences — like how your desktop is set up, for example. All of this information is kept there, securely out of view. Every action performed on your computer involves this vital key, the heart of the computer’s longevity. This is why it is so important to keep it in top form. The registry is accessible for editing, but Windows highly discourages this. Only trained professionals should attempt to manually edit the registry, and even then they must make registry backups in case they make a wrong move. All you need is one oddly-placed comma to render your computer inaccessible, causing immediate computer death.

Why it Collects Errors
Like any other equipment, registries need manual ‘cleaning’ also. After all, metaphorical dust collects in the registry, causing it to malfunction. After a while, this leads to that fateful blue screen. Your registry collects errors very easily. Something as simple as downloading a mp3 file or emptying your recycle bin causes these little fragments of data to float around in inner computer space, littering your computer’s registry. Each action you do causes an offset of these data fragments, and unless you clean it properly, these fragments will ultimately destroy your computer. Think of it as food for your body. If you eat food, leftover things such as dirty plates, crumbs, and utensils sit unless you put them in the dishwasher. A lazy person won’t clean up after themselves, and soon the entire kitchen is filled with dirt and grime. With no clean utensils or plates, the person either has to eat elsewhere or clean it up themselves. Conversely, if you make no effort to clean your registry, your computer suffers premature computer death. Case in point: your registry is the heart of your computer, so make sure to take care of it. If you don’t, you risk premature computer death.