The Task Manager, shown in the figure, allows you to view all applications that are running and to close any applications that have stopped responding.
The Task Manager has the following tabs:
- Applications - This tab shows all running applications. From this tab, you can create, switch to, or close any applications that have stopped responding using the buttons at the bottom.
- Processes - This tab shows all running processes. A process is a set of instructions started by the user, a program, or the OS. From this tab, you can end processes or set process priorities.
- Services - This tab shows the available services, including their operational status.
- Performance - This tab shows the CPU and page file usage.
- Networking - This tab shows the usage of all network adapters.
- Users - This tab shows all users that are logged on the computer. From this tab, you can disconnect remote users or log off local users.
To view information in the Task Manager for Windows 7 and Windows Vista, use the following path:
CTRL-ALT-DEL and select Start Task Manager
Alternatively, you can access the Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting Start Task Manager.
In Windows XP, use the following path:
CTRL-ALT-DEL and select Task Manager
Alternatively, you can access the Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting Task Manager.
Be careful when ending a process or changing the priority of processes. Ending a process causes the program to end immediately without saving any information. Ending a process might prevent the system from running correctly. Changing the priority of a process, might adversely affect the performance of the computer.