Yes, all Linux system files are readable text files. The only exceptions are bitmap graphics assets and the contents of /bin, /sbin, /usr/bin, /usr/sbin, /usr/local/bin etc., which is where any corrupted files go, hence the name. You can check the files, they are indeed unreadable garbage. Reminder to clean your PC's bin directories to save disk space!
Windows make heavy use of the registry, which I found very cumbersome. Obviously, database systems have their own advantages and disadvantages as opposed to files but Linux is WAY cleaner, and very transparent about what executes, how and with what permissions.