Windows Registry - What is it and why do I care?

Windows Registry, a scary word to many, it is known pretty much by all but understood by very few. It is the reason your computer can do all the things it does (well at least in windows) and it is also a main reason your system stops doing these things efficiently. First the basics, the registry is the location windows stores information about every single application on your computer in order for it to know where and how to use it. Sounds simple enough Right? Well it really is for the most part. The problem however is the cryptic way in which windows actually writes this information. If you could just go in and look for something like lets say Norton to remove any left over entries after uninstalling the software (yes, There are always left over entries) it would be great. However, that is not how easy it is. Unfortunately not all entries are that straightforward they are long cryptic confusing and intimidating strings of letters and numbers. So as time moves forward and you install and uninstall software and features to your computer the registry grows, and grows, and grows, you get the idea. Now think about your computer it has to look through every one of those entries every time you turn it on or use your programs. This is the downer, the slow downer, next thing you know your computer is slower than dirt. I would love to tell you that I can teach you here how to fix this but unfortunately that is just not possible but I can tell you that there is alot of great software that can help and are worth every cent you pay for them. The only other sure way to fix registry issues is to rebuild (reinstall OS) on your computer, which if you don't know means to erase all data completely.