CHAPTER II

Review of Related Studies and Literatures

With a need of help in maintaining a computer’s system performance, the

proponents searched for the related studies and literature that discuss what

makes computers to slow down and what are the possible solution to the

problems as well as discussing the need and importance of a registry tool.

2.1 Related Studies

This contains a collection of related studies which the proponents

gathered and used as reference materials to compare similarities and differences

with the proposed study.

2.1.1 Local

Related studies are very helpful in making a project. The related

studies help the proponents in gathering ideas and perspectives. In

addition, local studies narrowed the search to unpublished records in the

proponent’s native land.

In the study “Spartan Virus Scanner 2010” by Jesie Rie, Adriano,

Jonathan Adriano and Nancy Parone (2010), is an antivirus software that

Software Engineering 12
 scan files and documents that are infected by viruses. It is a utility

software that focuses on eliminating computer viruses that causes

problems in system performance. [1]

In the previous study, the authors aim to eliminate viruses that

causes file corruptions which results to problems on the computer. The

similarity of the previous study from the proposed project is that the

software scans for possible harms that could affect the system’s

performance. The difference of the two studies is that the previous study

scans for viruses on files and documents while the current study scans for

registry entry errors, invalid entries, unwanted entries and broken links in

the registry. The previous study also automatically delete files and

documents with viruses while the current study asks confirmation from the

user to clean or delete scanned registry entries with errors.

In the study “PC Spying Software: A PC Monitoring Utility Software”

by Benjel Marie Ting (2005), is a utility software capable of monitoring and

recording computer activities, such as key stroke logins, screen shots of

logins, active application logins and showing currently running processes.

It served as a security tool for the computer users who wants to monitor

the tasks that have been done on the computer. [2]

In the previous study, the author aims to detect any activity that

might have occurred during the use of the computer which is not done by
[1] A Software Engineering Project presented to AMACC Biñan, (2010)
[2] A Thesis Project presented to AMACC Biñan, (2005)

Software Engineering 13
 the computer administrator. The study is similar with the proponents’

current work since both study deals with a software utility that has a

capability of securing the computer from unauthorized users. The

difference from the previous study was it focused on monitoring computer

activities while the present study focuses on monitoring the registry

entries.

In the study “System Maintain and Protect” by Jazreel Joaquin

Santos (2005), is a utility software, a security tool, that locks important

folders making it inaccessible to others. The previous work allows the user

to password-protect and easily prevent access to user’s personal and

important folders user can select any folder (any sub folders with files) of

choices to protect as hidden files and folders. In one mouse click, the

folder that was selected becomes invisible. [3]

The previous study is similar with the proposed project in such a

way that both of them are password-protected applications and provides

capability to limit functions or disable some tweaking functions. The

difference of the previous study from the current study is it hides folders

for protection.

In the study “Disk Trimmer Utility Software” by Wilver Christian

Aquino (2003) stated

[3] A Software that Project
Engineering in using
presented toaAMACC
software
Biñan (2005)or a program, a user must

first install it to the hard drive. While savoring the wonders of the software,

Software Engineering 14
 one may not know that installing software uses up hard drive space. When

the time comes for the user to remove the software, they uninstall it. This

is where the problems come in. When the user tries to delete or remove

the software using an uninstall program, users will found out that they

have recovered only a fraction of the hard disk space because of the files

included in the installation were scattered throughout the hard drive, files

were not completely deleted. [4]

According to the author, there is a need for software development

to inform and help the future users about maintaining and maximizing the

hard drive. By creating and using Disk Trimmer, it will help the users fin

those hidden and scattered files in their hard disk and delete all those

changes made by that program.

The previous study is similar with the proposed project in such a

way that the software is capable of scanning files, deleting files and using

of backups. The difference of the previous study from the current study is

that the focus was on disk maintenance level while the current study

focuses on the registry maintenance level.

In the study “Troubleshooting and Maintenance Software for Disk

Common Errors” by presented

[4] A Thesis Project Anson Goh
to AMACC (2001), is a software capable of
Biñan (2003)

answering inquiry and also able to supply a recommendation with regards

to troubleshooting disk errors. It served as a guiding tool for different

sectors and fields in our society in troubleshooting and maintaining

Software Engineering 15
 software for disk error. The whole concept of the study is presented

accurately as possible and in a form that would easily be understood by

anybody. [5]

In the study “Troubleshooting and Maintenance Software for Disk

Common Errors”, the author had a general objective, which is to develop a

software capable of answering inquiry and also be able to supply a

recommendation with regards to troubleshooting disk errors. The study is

similar with the proponents’ current work since both study deals with a

software utility for computers. The difference is that the previous study

was focused on Disk Common Errors while the present study focuses on

Registry Errors.

2.1.2 Foreign
[5] A Software Engineering Project presented to AMACC Makati (2001)

This contains a collection of related studies which the proponents

gathered and used as reference materials to compare similarities and

differences with the proposed study. In addition, related foreign studies

gives credit to the unpublished international records.

Software Engineering 16
 In the study “Why is My Computer Running Slow: Reasons for a

Slow Running Computer” written by David Marshall (2011) stated that

there are several factors that can affect the speed of a computer system. It

can be due to a poor RAM speed, insufficient memory, registry errors and

corrupt entries and useless programs running all at the same time. All of

the discussed factors can considerably slow down computers. The study

discussed that over time, computers will have lots of problems that can

range from slow shut down or start up, frequent error messages, and

maddening screen lags and freezes. Although users want to make

computers run faster, users seem helpless so users just have to wait for

the computer to run once more. The author also stated that there is an

easy way to fix the computer when the computer is running slow. [6]

Slowing down of computer has different reasons and does have

solutions. Some can be done by manual editing or by using utility tools to

aid performance problems.

The similarity of the proposed project from the said study is that
[6] http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Is-My-Computer-So-Slow?-Reasons-For-
a-Slow-Running-Computer-and-How-to-Fix-It&id=5821714

both of the study and project discusses reasons of slow system

performance and thus aim to solve the said problem specifically Registry

related-problems.

In the study “Windows Registry Cleaning: To Clean Or Not To

Clean” written by Maria Markella (2010), stated that people should use

Software Engineering 17
 a registry cleaner to optimize the system's performance only if they

know what the registry is and how it works. Furthermore, users

should know what a registry cleaner is and how it works. Users must

be aware of the importance of the registry for the system. Remember,

the registry is a database where all your system's information is

stored. It is so important that Windows system has built in registry

tools working on the background to make sure that the registry

performs well and protect the system's integrity. The fact that the

computer's registry is so massive, problems can occur as time goes

by. These problems can cause strange behaviours, could freeze up

the system or cause unwanted errors. Not to mention the frustration

from the end user's point of view. If the registry is clean then users

do not need to worry. But if the users notice that the computer is

becoming unstable then users need to make sure that the system's

registry is clean. [7]

The previous study and the proponents’ work are similar in a

way that both intend to discuss and help people in understanding

[7] http://www.buzzle.com/articles/windows-registry-cleaning.html

the need of cleaning the Registry.

In the study “PC System Utilities: What to Look For” written by

TopTenReviews.com (2010), the author discussed the important

things that useful utility softwares should have. The author gave

Software Engineering 18
 advises in looking or buying utility softwares. Utility softwares have

criteria that most utility softwares follow to make the softwares

efficient. The said criteria for evaluating utility softwares are

management, repair or recovery, optimization, ease of use and help

and support functionalities. [8]

The previous study discussed the criteria that effective utility

softwares have and which the current study will use as a reference

for the development of the software.

In the study “System Utilities: Staying on Top of Computer

Maintenance ” written by Allen Glines (2010), the author stated that

the best way to keep the system running smoothly is to perform

preventive maintenance. The author stated that PC system utilities

applications have features that users need to safeguard the system

against problems that may diminish the system’s performance. The

author discussed what most people mistakably do when their

computers slows down. The author said that buying a new computer
[8] http://pc-system-utilities-software-review.toptenreviews.com

or changing the computer is not always a good and affordable

choice. The author stated that most of the reasons why computers

are running slow can be solve by various softwares more often are

Software Engineering 19
 system utility softwares. The author stated that maintaining a

computer is all having a system in place both solve issues affecting

the computer and prevent problems to occur in the first place. [9]

The previous study discussed the importance of preventing

and maintaining the system’s performance which explained the

essence of the current study. The previous study is similar to the

proponents’ work in a way that both studies are concerned in

preventing system performance’s problems to occur.

In the study “The Impact of Fragmentation on Flash Drives” written

by Michael from Diskeeper Corporation (2007), the author studied the

effect of fragments on flash drives. The author stated that in a nutshell,

Flash based disks do not use a spinning disk and can access data

randomly without any performance penalty. That may seem to obfuscate

the benefit of defragmentation, and to a good degree it certainly mitigates

the need. Flash and SSD devices are good at reading data, but are not

as good at writing data. The reason for the poor write performance is that

these (NAND based) devices must erase the space used for new file

writes, immediately prior to writing the new data. This is known as erase-

on-write or [9]erase/write. Improvements in this area are coming (phase-

http://pc-system-utilities-software-review.toptenreviews.com/system-utilities-
staying-on-top-of-computer-
maintenance.html

Software Engineering 20

[8] http://www.diskeeper.com/blog/post/2007/06/22/The-Impact-of-Fragmentation-on-Flash-Drives-(iPods-Jump-
Drives-etc).aspx
 change memory). However, flash devices running FAT or NTFS file

system do still fragment the same way that a HDD would. Non-Windows

products, like digital cameras/camcorders, use the FAT file system

(FAT16 or FAT32, depending on the size of the drive). FAT file systems

are more susceptible to fragmentation than NTFS. The greatest

drawback of flash devices from the perspective of fragmentation is it is

slow at random write I/O. [10]

The author made an experiment with the objective of knowing the

effects of defragmenting flash drives. The experiment showed that

defragmenting flash drives results to faster operation like faster writing,

copying or saving files on flash drives. The previous study and the

proponents’ work are similar in a way that both intend to discuss and

solve some problems that cause slowing down of operations.

2.2 Related Literature

This contains a collection of locally related literature which the proponents

gathered and used as reference materials to compare similarities and differences

with the proposed study.

2.2.1 Local [10] http://www.diskeeper.com/blog/post/2007/06/22/The-Impact-of-Fragmentation-on-

Flash-Drives-(iPods-Jump-Drives-etc).aspx

Software Engineering 21
 The proponents researched in the internet, magazines and articles

in the local scene to enhance their ideas in doing this study.

The article “What Exactly do Registry Cleaners Do” written by Greg

Whitney (2011), the author discussed what happens to the registry over

years. The registry builds up an enormous registry database that leads to

slowing down of the system performance. The author stated that many

users are confused with registry cleaners and anti-virus software. The

author also stated that the two utility softwares are completely different

from each other and performs different functions. [11]

The article and the current study are similar in a way that both are

discussing the use of utility software specifically registry cleaner software

that improves system performance.

The article “PC Computer Tech Tips to Speed Up Your System”

written by Louis Duncan (2010), guides and teaches all PC users on how

to improve the speed of the computers. The article consists of steps and

ways that a user could do to improve the speed of the computer. [12]

[11] http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Exactly-to-Registry-Cleaners-Do?&id=5969976
[12] http://pinoypen.com/pc-computer-tech-tips-to-speed-up-your-system-22307

The article discussed do-it-yourself tips for improving the system

performance including manual registry tweaking which is similar to the

Software Engineering 22
 present study but different in a way that the present study suggest a

simple point and click for tweaking the registry.

In the article “Get a Registry Cleaner and Optimizer and Avoid

System Crashes” written by Atle Pedersen (2009), the author discussed

the advantage of having and using a registry cleaner and optimizer. The

author stated that slower performance is one of the signs of a messy

registry. The operating system and installed applications are using more

time to find the system files needed, loading up invalid entries that in turn

cause programs to malfunction, sending error messages and eventually,

system breakdown. The author encouraged the readers to practice

preventive action towards system problems through the use of registry

cleaners and optimizers. [13]

The article and the current study are similar in a way that both are

suggesting prevention of slowing down of system performance by using

registry cleaners and optimizers.

The book entitled “Troubleshooting your PC” written by Jim

Aspinwall, Rory Burk and Mike Todd (2001), guides and teaches all PC

users on how to repair and maintain IBM PC and compatibles. The book
[13] http://ezinearticles.com/?Get-a-Registry-Cleaner-and-Optimizer-and-Avoid-
consists of various topics which is a step by step instruction and has a
System-Crashes&id=3449455

clear explanation that teaches the user to determine whether the problem

is hardware or software related. Jim Aspinwall, Rory Burk and Mike Todd

book is a do-it-yourself book of tips, effective guide in repairing PC’s. The

Software Engineering 23
 authors used easy to understand lingo in representing instruction.

Intended for people who would like to avoid problems by identifying them

before it occur and for those who wanted to use their PC with confidence

of being able to get themselves-up and running again even if something

goes wrong with it. [14]

The book discussed the proper way of using personal computers

and how to fix problems which is the focused of the proponents’ work.

The book entitled “PC Technicians Troubleshooting Pocket

Reference” written by Stephen Bigelow (2000), is an essential PC

troubleshooting and diagnostic information book packed with code tables,

commands, symptoms, summaries, solution and other key details about

PC troubleshooting. It covers virtually every major PC components,

including drives, input devices, modems and more. This is a book that

covers virtually every major PC computer and how to deal with it when the

problem arises. The book is beneficial to students and people who do not

have any background in repairing PC. It diagnoses and fixes PC

problems. [15]

[14] Troubleshooting Your PC, Jim Aspinwall, Rory Burk and Mike Todd, 2001
[15] PC Technicians Troubleshooting Pocket Reference, Stephen Bigelow, 2000
The book concentrates on the information regarding diagnostic and

troubleshooting of personal computer, a basic idea similar to the present

study.

Software Engineering 24
 2.2.2 Foreign

This contains a collection of related studies which the proponents

gathered and used as reference materials to compare similarities and

differences with the proposed study.

An article entitled “What is a Utility Software?” written by Steven

Bryan (2010), stated that only few people are interested and excited about

a utility software, and most of the users do not even think about it until

computers have problems. With memory-hungry programs and Web

hazards attacking the hard drive, the author said that a complete suite of

utility software is a must to keep for the computer to run at its best. [16]

Using utility software provides great help in maintaining a

computer’s system performance. Utility software are classified in different

categories according to its functions such as disk defragmenters, registry

cleaners, backup utility software and antivirus utility software.

[16] http://www.life123.com/technology/computer-software/utility-software/a-guide-to-utility-
An articlesoftware.shtml
entitled “The Best Tweaks for XP” written by Mark Pool

(2010), stated that while the default settings are well-configured for a

broad base of users, there are a few things users can do to speed up

Windows XP. Since the Windows default settings are designed for anyone

to use and adapt the system to their needs, most users who are not in a

corporate environment have a variety of programs and services running

Software Engineering 25
 that are unnecessary. Changing just a few settings and removing

programs that users do not use can improve the users’ Windows XP

experience. [17]

The best ways that the author discussed in the study are as follows:

Removing Unnecessary Programs, Removing Unnecessary Windows

Components, Turning Off Services and Removing Startup Programs.

The previous study is similar with the proposed project in such a

way that the author gives and suggested tweaking tips for enhancing the

system performance which the proposed project aims to do. The

difference is that the previous study only suggests the manual process of

tweaking the system to enhance its performance.

An article entitled “PC Registry Editor - The Frightening Truth

Behind Using a Manual PC Registry Editor” written by Jim Gordon (2010)

stated that there are several dangers when using a manual PC registry

editor. If users ever feel tempted to manually repair their computer

[17] http://www.ehow.com/list_7148159_tweaks-xp.html

registry, User’s should know that it is not always a straight forward

process. Unless users understand the way the different parts of the

computer system work, users run the risk of making a mistakes when

trying to fix the registry by themselves. If this happens, the users may

need to reformat their entire hard drive which wipes out everything they

Software Engineering 26
 have saved on their computer. Now users have not only lost vital

information, but users may also have to spend the time and money

required for getting their computer repaired. It can take hours or even days

for a computer to get repaired, depending on the damage. The turnaround

time for repairs, the updating of drivers, downloading the software users

used to have, and setting up the network connections is like starting from
[18]
scratch.

The previous article discussed the disadvantage of manually editing

the registry. The proponents’ work will give solutions to eliminate the said

problems that are caused by manual editing.

In the article “Microsoft Gets in on Registry Cleaning Act” written by

Matt Whipp (2006), the author stated that Microsoft looks set to continue

to add its security portfolio with the development of a Registry cleaner.

The author stated that as the company prepares for the launch of the

Windows OneCare security solution for consumers in the US, the

company has found a barrage of demand for such a utility. The author
[18] http://ezinearticles.com/?PC-Registry-Editor---The-Frightening-Truth-
Behind-Using-a-Manual-PC-Registry-Editor&id=2289576

stated that Microsoft Registry cleaner will have security sewn up for the

company itself. [19]

The previous article discussed the demand for utility software such

as registry cleaners. The article gave idea on developing a utility software

similar to the proponents proposed project.

Software Engineering 27
 In the article “Backing Up Your Windows Registry” written by Larry

Seltzer (2004), the author discussed the essence of backing up the

registry especially when computer users tweak the registry. The author

also discussed ways on how to prevent tweaking mistakes. The author

gave the techniques and procedures on how to backup the registry. The

author also provides the procedure on how to restore the registry backup.

The previous study discussed the importance and ways of

backing up the registry which contributes to the development of the

current study. The previous study is similar to the proponents’ work

in a way that both studies are suggesting to have a backup for the

registry. [20]

2.3 Synthesis
[19] http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/85645/microsoft-gets-in-on-registry-cleaning-act
[20] http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1838038,00.asp

The studies and articles that were cited above, all focused or somehow

related on information, softwares and the idea of preventing slowing down of the

system performance. Every article and study suggested the importance of

cleaning the registry, which every computer user must be aware of. All have the

purpose of eliminating registry errors and invalid registry entries, preventing

registry problems that cause slow system performance, and providing an easy

way to tweak the registry.

Software Engineering 28
 The review of related studies is classified as utility softwares which helped

in creating “TweaKing – Registry Tool”. The related studies have presented

functions on which the proposed software will have.

The use of registry tweakers is essential nowadays. With a fast-paced

technology and continuous development of new softwares, system performances

should be maintained at good state allowing users to perform various tasks using

their computer. The proposed study is timely and relevant to the need of

improving or solving problems regarding system performances.

Software Engineering 29