Registry is the name of Windows hierarchical database, that Windows uses to store options and configurations for a Microsoft Operating System.

The registry contains set-up for components of low-level operating systems and the applications based on that platform. Registry is used by device drivers, the kernels, SAM, user interface, services and all the third party software.

To boost computers performance, the registry also gives a method to use counters.

The Windows Registry was first launched in the market with Windows 3.1 to store important configuration information for COM-based components.

The use of registry, with the induction of Windows NT and Windows 95, was expanded to include the organization of abundant INI files for each program whose use was previously made for storing settings of configuration for programs on Windows.

Keys and values are the two basic components of the Windows registry.

Stored inside the keys are the pairs of name/data known as registry values.

The Windows API functions, querying and manipulating values of registry, get value names in a different way from the key path. They may also use handle which identify the parent key.

Although, the term is a little bit confusing, with values resembling associative arrays, wherein standard definition suggests that a key is the name portion of value.

In Windows 3, keys were devoid of containing arbitrary names/data pairs, instead they contained only one unnamed value that needs to be a string.

The biggest advantage of Registry in Microsoft Windows is that it can be edited manually with the help of regedit.exe or regedt32.exe in the Windows directory.

However, sloppy registry editing can lead to a slow XP or losses that cant be reversed. So, performing registry backups must be the priority, and the same has been advised by the software giant Microsoft and various other professionals, authors and editors of business magazines.

A straightforward implementation of the present-day registry tool surfaced in Windows 3.x operating system, dubbed as “Registration Info Editor” or simply “Registration Editor”.

This was a database of applications primarily used to edit inserted OLE objects in documents.

However, it should be remembered that both the editors have several differences.

For the first time, the two programs were merged into one by Windows XP, which adopted the traditional REGEDIT.EXE as interface and added to it the functionality of REGEDT32.EXE.

However, the distinctions do not occur with Windows XP as well as the newer versions REGEDIT.EXE being the improved editor and REGEDT32.EXE being purely a stub invoking REGEDIT.EXE.

The Registry Editor enables users to do the following functions easily:

• Loading, manipulating and unloading registry hive format files (Windows NT-based systems only)
• Setting permissions based on ACLs (Windows NT-based systems only)
• Bookmarking user-selected registry keys as Favorites
• Finding particular strings in key names, value names and value data
• Remotely editing the registry on another networked computer

Linux platform too allows for editing the registry with the assistance of an open source tool called Offline NT Password & Registry Editor.

If you are a parent, you have probably wondered at one time or another, what more you can do to protect your children and yourself, not only physically but emotionally, mentally, spiritually etc. Today many parents and families are discouraged. They perceive, and even experience first hand a disturbing lack of basic civility and community respect. This disregard of the ‘protective virtues’ often leads to anxiety and fear. Those who disregard civility and respect demean those who take the time to work hard for their homes and their assets. They also demean those who work hard to maintain elevated ideas and standards within their homes. If you are a parent, don’t let negative trends discourage you. Stay proactive and protect your home both inside and out.

Protect Your Home on the Outside

In regards to protecting your physical home, the steps are fairly simple. The installation of home security systems, motion detectors, heat detectors, and the like are obvious ways to protect your home. Windows security is also essential. It is most common for prowlers to enter through unsecured windows. This tendency towards ‘window weakness’ can be strengthened with wireless windows security sensors or with windows security motion detectors. Other less expensive windows security tactics include planting thorny bushes beneath lower level windows, setting lights near or above every window, and investing in a dog or ‘beware of dog’ decals.

Note: In case of fire, heat detectors or smoke alarms are inexpensive and essential for a secure home. Wireless heat detectors or smoke alarms are also available.

Protect Your Home on the Inside

Surprisingly enough, protecting a home on the inside is often the most difficult part of protecting families. Concerned parents often worry about the effects of offensive media and pornography. In regards to pornography, the following quote can be found at lds.org: “Pornography has become a serious problem in our society. The effects of pornography have resulted in an increase of sexual abuse and exploitation of children and women, broken marriages and families, and an increase in violent crimes and addictive behaviors.”

On a more personal level, G.B. Hinckley, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, states the following, “Pornography, with its sleazy filth, sweeps over the earth like a horrible, engulfing tide. It is poison. Do not watch it or read it. It will destroy you if you do. It will take from you your self-respect. It will rob you of a sense of the beauties of life. It will tear you down and pull you into a slough of evil thoughts and possibly evil actions. Stay away from it. Shun it as you would a foul disease, for it is just as deadly” (Source: lds.org, or the Ensign, Nov. 1997, 51).

Shunning pornography and other offensive material can be accomplished first by discussing with children what the consistent standards are and will be within your home. Children will often be the first to offer helpful suggestions and assist in the creation of standards, rules, etc. Allow your children to participate in discussions which touch on all aspects of home security, windows security, and security which protects them from harmful media or pornography. Let them know you have a plan and would welcome their opinions. They may even know friends or families who have already suffered from the damaging effects of media and pornography and will be surprisingly accepting of the rules established within your home. Second, TV and Internet filters such as those provided by contentwatch.com help children avoid uncomfortable situations—whether they were, or were not looking for them.

Protecting a home both on the inside and out requires proactive parents. Invest in home security/windows security and take the time to talk with your children about offensive media and pornography.

About the Author: Boyd Norwood is a web content specialist for 10x Marketing in Orem, UT. For more questions in regards to basic home security or for additional windows security tips, please visit alarmoneinc.com.