Like anything else in life, computers need regular upkeep to ensure they continue to run as smoothly and as quickly as we'd like. Unfortunately, it's easy to forget - until the computer starts running much slower and begins to crash - that maintenance must be done on a regular basis.
Cleaning your computer's registry is arguably the most important part of the upkeep of your computer. Essentially, a computer's registry is akin to a database that stores every bit of information on your computer - from the files you've created and deleted to the programs you run. The registry keeps track of it all. Each time you add or remove a program or file, the registry reflects those changes. Over time the registry becomes cluttered with broken shortcuts, invalid links, invalid Active X controls, among other junk.
Fortunately, all it takes to clean your computer's registry is registry cleaner software and a couple of clicks of the mouse. Some companies offer their registry cleaners free while others charge a minimal price. There are several things you should keep in mind when deciding which registry cleaner is best for your needs:
1. Are the instructions, detailing how to run the registry cleaner, easy to understand? This is especially important if you are new to or unfamiliar with computers.
2. Is the registry cleaner easy to use?
3. Is there technical support available should you have questions or encounter problems? (If there is technical support, is it free or is there a fee?)
4. Does the registry cleaner automatically fix any problems? Or, does it allow you to check the problems you want fixed? Some people prefer registry cleaners that allow them to actually see the problems and check the ones they want fixed rather than having the registry cleaner automatically fix any problems.
5. Does the registry cleaner back up your system? Even if it does back up your system, you must still back it up just in case. You don't want to rely on a registry cleaner for your backup.
6. Can you undo changes that the registry cleaner makes? You should be allowed to create a restore point, so if a change is accidentally made, you can restore your computer to a previous time.
Make sure you answer these questions before you download or purchase a registry cleaner. Generally, to clean your registry, you only need to follow a few simple steps. First, you tell the registry cleaner to run a scan. Second, the registry cleaner will automatically fix any problems it finds, or it will show you a list of problems and ask you if you want to fix them. It really is as simple as that.
Finally, remember to run the registry cleaner on a regular basis to ensure that your computer is clean and able to run at its full capacity.
