User's Manual

Preface

Windows XP or one of its predecessors are installed on most

computers in use around the world. Windows is an excellent

operating system for standard tasks such as working with

applications and managing files. But things aren’t so simple

when a user wants to customize, optimize or streamline the

system – ease of use is quickly forgotten here, and many

things cannot be done at all with the tools that come with the

operating system.

But everything is possible. Windows controls the programs

that are loaded when it starts up. Windows specifies which

commands can be seen in the Start menu. Windows also

controls how the icons on your desktop look. But how can a

user change these settings?

It’s all easy, says the expert. All of the parameters are hidden

in the boot files and the Windows registry. The registry is the

central database for the operating system and is used by your

applications and hardware modules to save their current

configurations. With the help of suitable editors, you can

open this special database and manipulate all of the system’s

parameters. The problem is that only experienced experts

know where to find the pertinent parameters among the

myriad cryptic entries in the database. Most users have no

idea what they are looking at when they open the registry.

This is where TuneUp Utilities 2004 comes in. This software

helps normal users and experts alike to better adapt Windows

to their needs and tastes. All important system options are

Preface

Nearly everything

can be changed – if

you know where and

how.

Your personal

Windows expert

TuneUp Utilities 2004 9