201 Reading Assignment 8 - marsecguy/reading-notes-cyberops GitHub Wiki

Windows Registry

The Windows registry is a collection of configurations for programs and apps. Virtually all Microsoft programs use them, while developers for other apps and programs have the option to use them, partially use them, or not use them at all. They can save processing speed by having the configurations saved in RAM while the program is being used and moving them to the hard drive when not in use.

The registry configurations come with preset setting that are already optimized for most users by default. Consequently, most users will never have need to change them. Settings that are commonly adjusted will typically contain a GUI within the program that will change the registry on the back end. For example, when a user changes accessibility settings to make things easier for a disability they have, those changes will be applied in the registry, so that every new program opened won't require the user to make the same adjustment again.

Some registry settings, like the accessibility example, are specific to the user while others are applied universally to all users. As previously mentioned, most users will never need to adjust these settings without using an associated GUI that is easy to find. However, there may be times when an administrator or user may need to adjust a less frequently accessed configuration. This is referred to as a "registry hack" and guides on how to make those changes can be found through internet searches.

Source: How-To Geek