www.jstechs.com > System Tools > Task Manager
The Windows Task Manager is an extremely useful tool, whether for terminating a process that could be some kind of malware, ending an out-of-control application, or just giving users critical information concerning the status and health of their system.
You can access the Windows Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete, or by right-clicking the taskbar and clicking "Task Manager". The Windows Task Manager is composed of five tabs, the first of which is the Applications tab.
Aplications Tab
The main use of the applications tab is to try to end an application that is not responding. To do this, select the application by clicking on it, and click "End Task". Often if the program is not responding it will be using a large percentage of the CPU processing power and you will not be able to end the program using this technique, in that case you'll have to end the process itself. For information on how to do this see the next section on the Processes Tab.
Processes Tab
The Processes tab provides a lot more options and shows more information. All applications and tasks running in the background are listed here, plus the memory and CPU cycles each task is using. If a process is using a large amount of CPU power you can find out which task, or program is causing the problem and determine if it’s necessary. To determine if a task is safe to end, do a Google search for the process, and usually the first or second link will provide all the information you need. To end a process right-click the process and click: End Process, and then click Next.
NOTE: Terminating
certain system processes can cause system instability and loss of data, only terminate a
process if it belongs to a program that is causing a problem.
Performance Tab
This tab allows you to monitor, in real-time, the performance of the system. You will find information regarding total system memory, how much of it is in use and how much is left. Also there is a graph showing the CPU usage, and the Page File usage. This tab allows you to see in real-time how a change that you make has an effect on your system.
Networking Tab
The Networking tab allows you to view all incoming and outgoing data interacting with your computer.
Users Tab
With the Users tab you can, if you are the Administrator, logoff other users that may still be logged in to Windows XP.
Windows Task Manager Lost its Menus!
One of the most common problems that will occur with the Windows Task Manager happens when someone inadvertently double clicks on its outside border, causing the menus and tabs to mysteriously disappear leaving the Task Manager stuck on a screen like this.
This is actually a 'feature' know as "tiny footprint mode", but it is most often simply a source of aggravation.
To toggle back to the normal view simply double click the outside border.
