Registry freeware refers to freeware software that is used to clean, or manage, the Windows registry.
The registry is a database, made of up of a set of files, that Windows uses to manage the
startup and operation of your system.
When you add a program to your PC information is placed in the registry.
The registry is also one place where Windows looks for programs to run at startup time.
Malicious programs may also place information in here so that they can start every
time your turn on your system. That way they can perform their evil deeds.
Unfortunately the registry does not provide a very secure environment against
programs intent on altering it.
Microsoft's Registry Editor (RegEdit) provides a way
to display, insert, update, and delete information from the registry.
The registry is organizaed in a hierarchical fashion much like the
files on your hard disk. And RegEdit displays the information similarly,
like File Explorer or My Computer.
Another way to to view registry information is to use the
System Configuration utility (MSCONFIG.EXE). You can also check and uncheck
programs to run when the system boots.
When you use programs on your system they may put information in the resgistry.
You have probably used programs that show a list of the last files on the file menu that you
have opened or edited. Usually these programs keep this type of information in the registry.
Sometimes programs do not clean up the registry when closed, leaving stuff in the registry.
When a program is removed from your computer, the uninstall program should clear
the registry of all the data that has been put in the registry for that program.
But once in a while they do not.
So the registry can accumulate junk for a variety of reasons.
This is where registry freeware, or registry cleaners, come in.
Registry cleaners run through the registry removing junk and
known spyware, adware, malware, and other data put in by malicious programs.
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