If you are not very familiar with computers, perhaps you do not know what the registry is. The registry of a computer resides in your system, as part of your operating system. All Microsoft Windows operating systems have got registries - Windows 95, Windows NT, Windows 98, Windows 2000 and Windows Vista. It doesn't matter which OS you are using, there is an in-built registry. The registry is one of the core functions of the OS. That is why it is so important to keep it cleaned and organized.

So what does the registry actually do? And why is its primary function so important?

Vital information is stored in the registry of a computer system. For example, when you install a new software in the OS, you may be asked whether you want the software to launch automatically when you boot up your computer. Whether you choose yes or no, this information is stored in the registry of your computer.

The registry also knows where to find the application you are looking for, whenever you try to launch a software. The OS then retrieves all relevant information (such as settings, etc.) and launch the program based on your instructions.

As you can see, the registry is access very frequently. It is accessed when the computer boots up. It is accessed when a user install or remove programs. It is accessed when a user launch or close a program. But why is there a need to organize and clean registries on a regular basis?

Have you noticed that your computer slows down after you have been using it for some time? All new computers, with new hardware, new software, and clean registries function at maximum levels. Therefore, you always experience faster speeds when you use a new computer system.

However, as you use the system, you perform all sorts of tasks on your PC. And many of these tasks (like installing or removing programs), involve writing to the registry. In theory, the registry should always be clean. But that's assuming that all entries are deleted from the registry completely every time a program is removed. Unfortunately, this is not the case in reality. Sometimes, registry entries remain long after a program has been removed. You can imagine what this does to the registry in the long haul.

Yes, the registry gets so loaded with useless instructions that your computer starts to slow down. That's why you are experiencing slower speeds. Whenever you try to launch an application such as your Internet browser, the OS checks back with the registry to try and locate the application. But in the midst of all that junk, the search takes longer.

Also, you may find that your computer takes a longer time to boot up. That's because your CPU is busy entertaining all those useless instructions still in your registry! Cleaning up and organizing your computer registry will improve performance dramatically. Your computer will boot up fast, and you will also find that all your applications now launch quicker.