Put simply, the Windows registry is a central repository of information about all aspects of the computer-inparticular, its hardware, operating system, applications and users. It can be accessed and updated under software control and also directly by users. The registry first appeared in Windows3.1. In that system it was a single file, called REG.DAT, and was mainly used to store information about OLE objects. Most other configuration data was held in various INI files,of which WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI were the most important.

The modern registry, as found in Windows9x and NT, brings together all the information that was previously held in REG.DAT and the separate INI files. The registry has several advantages over INI files. Because the information is centralized, it is easier for applications to access it. It is more hierarchical than INI files, and so better suited for storing large amounts of structured data. It is also free of the size limitations which affect INI files (although there is still a maximum total registry size limit).

Although the registry is usually considered to be a single entity, its contents are in fact stored in more than one physical file. In Windows9x, there are two such files: SYSTEM.DAT and USER.DAT. These hold computer-specific and user-specific information respectively. In Windows NT, the registry is spread over a series of files, sometimes called hives. SYSTEM.DAT and USER.DAT are usually held in the Windows directory. However, it is also possible to place USER.DAT in the user’s login directory on a network, thus allowing the user to login at other workstations. In NT, the hive files are located in the SYSTEM32\\CONFIG directory, which is off the Windows directory. We can use kind of software such like a registry cleaner to clean registry in order to keep our computer works correctly. Some registry cleaner have a ”registry editor“ capability , too.

Each month we compile data for the number of times a particular desktop is viewed on this site’s product pages to get an idea for what mainstream consumers are looking at and thinking about buying. While these desktops aren’t necessarily the most popular in terms of sales, they are the most popular based on the number of times our visitors clicked on them.

In that sense, think of this list as the “most clickable desktops of the month” … the desktops that most of the people visiting this site are interested in learning about. Keep in mind that clicks directly on the “Most Viewed Desktops” list do not count toward the total in order to keep the list as fair as possible each month. The only clicks that count toward the monthly totals come from web searches like Google or from visitors who have clicked on a desktop after visiting our database or inside our forums.

It’s no surprise that the original Dell Studio XPS maintains its spot at number 1, despite being introduced almost a year ago.  The first desktop that we awarded an Editor’s Choice to, it still sits as a great purchase in terms of value for your dollar.  In fact, this month we see that Dell is a big winner in terms of spots our list, taking the first, third, seventh and tenth spots.

1. Dell Studio XPS - The Studio XPS desktop features an Intel Core i7-920 processor. Base model includes 3GB DDR3 memory, 500GB hard drive, 16x CD/DVD burner, 265MB ATI Radeon graphics, and Windows Vista Home Premium.

2. Apple Mac Mini - The Apple Mac Mini utilizes an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated and a 2.5-inch hard drive to maintain its diminutive size.

3. Dell Studio Slim - The Dell Studio Slim desktop features an Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 processor, 3 GB RAM installed, 16X DVD+/-RW Drive, multimedia keyboard, optical USB mouse, and a 500 GB hard drive.

4. HP TouchSmart - The HP TouchSmart IQ800t series PC’s come with 25″ hi-def widescreen with next generation touchscreen technology. It also features Intel or AMD processors.

5. Lenovo IdeaCentre A600 - The Lenovo IdeaCentre A600 is an all-in-one system that features a 21.5 inch HD panel, Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and up to 1TB of hard drive space.

6. Alienware Area-51 x58 - Packed with a Core i7 Extreme CPU, RAID 0 SSDs for boot and RAID 0 TB hard drives for storage, and with a price tag of a few thousand dollars, you can bet that this isn’t just a boring grey box. If anything, the Area-51 is an experience.

7. Dell OptiPlex 360 - The OptiPlex 360 Desktop comes standard with an Intel Celeron 440 processor, 17″ flat panel monitor, 1 GB DDR2 memory installed, and Windows Vista Business.

8. HP Pavilion Elite m9600t - The HP Pavilion Elite m9600t is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor and is configured with either 3 or 4GB DDR3 system memory. It’s geared toward multimedia enthusiasts, though its specs also make it attractive to gamers on a budget.

9. Lenovo ThinkCentre A58 – The Lenovo ThinkCentre A58 is available in a small form factor or a tower design. This system is customizable with up to 4GB DDR2 system memory, integrated or dedicated graphics, and up to 500GB hard drive space.

10. Dell Inspiron 537 - The Dell Inspiron 537 is a home computing system available in a variety of colors. It features choice of Intel Celeron, Pentium dual-core, or Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB system memory, integrated or ATI dedicated graphics, and up to 750GB SATA hard drive space.

7″ TFT LCD Touchscreen Monitor w/ DVI & VGA & AV inputs

Xenarc Technologies Corp. is one of the first LCD manufacturers to introduce a 7″ LCD screen with DVI input and Touchscreen.

This monitor utilizes a separate input box which allows a very clean installation.  There is only one cable that needs to be connected to the monitor.  The external input box takes care of power, a DVI input, a VGA input, 2 Composite video inputs, and 3 audio inputs.  And with an optional cable, the monitor can sit 5 Meters away from the input box.  LVDS signaling is utilized between the monitor and the input box to minimize signal degradation.

Utilizing the newest Pixelworks advanced high performance video processor, the 706TSA provides outstanding signal processing, de-interlacing, and scaling.  This is the same chip that is used in high-end TVs and projectors.

Use the convenient touch-screen as your input device, control your mouse cursor or the mini on screen keyboard that comes with your operating system. The touch screen utilizes the USB port as the interface.  You can connect several 706TSV monitors to your computer and the touchscreens would work simultaneously through the multi-monitor support.

These monitors come included with an input processing box, instruction manual, a copper monitor stand, a stylus, an AC adaptor,  a connection cable, cigarette lighter car adaptor, and touchscreen drivers for DOS, Windows, Windows Vista, Linux, and Mac OS.