Can You Define A Computer Registry?

Computers are stupid, they need to be told how to do everything.  The registry is what tells your computer what to do under specific situations.  For example when you want to print a word document your system will "ask" the registry how to find your printer and where.
Although they can be used to tweak your system's running speed it isn't suggested that you alter anything in the registry without a registry restore point or experience modiying a computer.