Handles and Objects
An object is a data structure that represents a system resource, such as a file, thread, or graphic image. An application cannot directly access object data or the system resource that an object represents. Instead, an application must obtain an object handle, which it can use to examine or modify the system resource.
Registry
A system-defined database in which applications and the system store and retrieve configuration information.
System Information
Retrieves or sets system configuration, settings, version, and metrics.
System Shutdown
Logs off the current user, shuts down the system, or locks the workstation.
Time
Retrieves or sets the system time.
Time Provider
Retrieves accurate time stamps from hardware or the network, and provides time stamps to other clients on the network.
Reference: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms725495%28v=VS.85%29.aspx
