What Is Windows Task Manager?

Windows Task Manager is a feature of the Microsoft Windows operating system that, once accessed, allows you to view the applications and processes currently running on your computer. It can also allow you to view the network status, see all the other users connected to your local network and send them a message. This feature of the operating system is useful when you need to end a program that is not responding or to end a system process associated with a spyware.

Accessing Windows Task Manager

There are a few ways to start the Task Manager, which is convenient because you can use either your keyboard or the mouse, in case one of these devices is disabled.

You can either press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys simultaneously on your keyboard; right-click on the Task Bar and then click on the Task Manager; or Ctrl+Alt+Delete and then click on Task Manager.

Ending a Program with Windows Task Manager

You have probably encountered a situation when one or more applications stopped responding and you cannot end them in a conventional way. In this case you can access the Task Manager, select the Applications tab, click on the program that is non-responsive and then click "End Task." Although none of your work will be saved, you can restart the program and continue your work without having to reboot your PC.

Ending a System Process with Windows Task Manager

Some programs that run on your computer can be identified only through the Processes function of the Task Manager. This feature is especially useful in the case of a spyware running in your operating system. While there are no obvious points of entry to stop the spyware from functioning, you can always stop it by accessing the Task Manager, selecting the Processes tab, clicking on the process associated with the spyware and then clicking "End Process."

Using Windows Task Manager To View PC Performance

The Task Manager also provides a quick way to have an overview of the current performance of your computer as it allows you to view CPU and memory usage, total number of handles, threads and processes running on the system, and totals for the physical, kernel and commit memory currently in use. All you need to do is to access the Task Manager using one of the previously described methods and then click on the Performance tab.

Windows Task Manager and Networking

The Task Manager also allows you to view the status of the network you are currently connected to, and also the availability of other networks by simply clicking on the Networking tab in the Task Manager's window. (This tab is shown only if you have a networking card present on your PC.)

You can also check who else is connected to your PC to prevent an unauthorized entry to either your computer or network by clicking on the Users tab.

References

• Microsoft: Task Manager Overview