So what's this all about? Lets have a look at a few points -

Registry cleaners help remove the rubbish that builds up in your computer's registry. Most of these problem are caused by deleting and creating files, installing and removing programs, and surfing on the 'net. Cleaning the registry results in an optimized registry that's fast and that keeps your computer running properly. If this is not done on a regular basis your computer becomes full of errors, slows right down, and in many cases causes frequent system crashes.

When I first came across this subject, I like most, was totally lost in all the techie jargon. Out with the dictionary, onto Google and at last some glimmer of light. To my very untrained mind this boiled down to this:

1. The registry is a huge database that keeps track of the complete inventory and location of every file, folder, program and process that resides on your computer.

2. The computer uses this to tell the programs how to locate and use the files needed to complete the job required. A road map and instruction guide rolled into one.

3. As time moves along the registry becomes clogged and 'road signs' get lost because files and programs are added to or removed from your PC continually. It's only a matter of time before this leads to poor PC performance.

4. It would be an impossible task for even the most well qualified to try and correct all these errors manually. So, hey presto! software to the rescue, and the task becomes relatively easy. This, in most cases, can be carried out within a few minutes every day. A simple task that won't cost you a small fortune in support and maintenance bills.

So after all that we are left with the question - What exactly are we looking for and which registry cleaner to use?

Having burnt my fingers a few times, this is my advice.

1. Get some help from a 'techie' friend or family member who is into this kind of thing.

2. Go with the 'free trial' systems to test and try for yourself. You're looking for something that comes highly recommended and is easy to use.

3. Do a search on Google or other major search engine for forums. This you can enter like this "registry cleaner" forums. Then all you have to do is 'lurk' and learn!

and finally if you want to start with something try this one. It seems to have sorted out all the problems I was having, was easy to use, and had a lot of extra features as well. Try the free version of Registryeasy