win registry

[kaeiminji]

I know this might sound like an academic question, but bear with me... i'm a newbie. How can I utilize the windows registry? I have only a vauge idea of what it is or what windows uses it for (just a huge directory of strings that programs can use after being shut down?). How can I put string values for the programs I write into the registry and use them? Also, can I go through and delete items from the registry that relate to other programs I've long since deleted? If an answer would be too much, could someone point me to a FAQ or some books or a newsgroup that would be good? thanks in advance
regards

kaeiminji