What is ModuleUsage Registry Key?
ModuleUsage is a baseline aspect of Windows present in your system Registry – the file that stores many of your operating system's configuration settings, as well as critical data on various applications, drivers and basic Windows services. As a text-based database, you can view and browse through the Registry easily by using the Registry Editor (or Regedit), although any improper modifications can cause permanent damage to various types of software or your operating system. You can see the ModuleUsage sub-section (which is managed by the Internet Download Component of Windows) by searching for the 'ModuleUsage' string, which brings up the appropriate directory.
ModuleUsage's Proper Place in Your PC
If you view an individual entry or 'key' from ModuleUsage in your Registry, you'll see three fields. The first field stores the file name and its path (which directories it is stored in). The second field, .Owner, is an identifier related to the program that installed the shared module. The last field identifies the Client that uses the module. Windows also has theoretical, but yet-to-be-implemented support for a fourth field, which can contain the version number for the module.
Although the Windows 'SharedDLL' component often is used for loading Windows application settings, it also has significant flaws – particularly with regards to repeatedly inflated reference counts through software reinstallation procedures – that make it less practical than ModuleUsage in many situations. Therefore, ModuleUsage is a practical substitute for allowing web browsers to install new applications from appropriate websites.
How to Get Good Use Out of ModuleUsage
Although old versions of software designed for usage with outdated versions of ModuleUsage do not necessarily require any special inclusive statements, this has been phased out in favor of mandating a special 'use' statement near the beginning of a program's code. The 'use' statement should specify a particular function from ModuleUsage – since vague statements can result in various undesired compiler errors. Microsoft also recommends using self-registering applications with ModuleUsage's Internet Component Download, although this isn't strictly mandatory.
In general, ModuleUsage and the rest of Internet Component Download's features are beneficial for their easing installation procedures, the use of an efficient software-update system, all of the standard digital distribution advantages and the ability to control different-language versions of your software with little trouble. It also should be emphasized that ModuleUsage features aren't limited to helping the distribution software to the general public; ModuleUsage also is useful for public and private agencies that require their organization's systems to be updated efficiently, consistently and universally. Since ModuleUsage and Internet Component Download both are default Windows components, when used properly, they help to guarantee compatibility for that OS.
Because ModuleUsage helps maintain the appropriate storage and (when required) deletion of downloaded software-related settings, it also is one of the best means of keeping system Registries clean in general. With rogue Registry cleaners and other fraudulent 'system cleanup' products playing a large role in malware industry, a certain reliance on good coding and basic Windows features like ModuleUsage can help to clamp down on the potential profits of these malicious programs.