Windows Task Manager — One of the most powerful and useful programs on your computer

Windows task manager is probably one of the most powerful programs on your computer. And probably one of the most underused. You can use it to stop or start Windows Services, check your computers performance, to end processes (programs) and to view all running applications on your computer – and more.

Task Manager shows you the programs, processes, and services that are currently running on your computer. You can use Task Manager to monitor your computer’s performance or to close a program that is not responding.

If you are connected to a network, you can also use Task Manager to view network status and see how your network is functioning. If more than one user is connected to your computer, you can see who is connected, what they are working on, and you can send them a message.

One of the ways we use Task Manager the most is to end problematical programs (processes). Have you ever had a program “freeze” or just refuse to close even if you clicked the “X” in the program toolbar until you were blue in the face? We all have had these kinds of experiences. The next time that happens, remember Windows Task Manager. You can end any unruly program by clicking the “Processes” tab, right-clicking on the application’s name and choosing “End Process”. It will terminate that process in an instant.  A great way to avoid rebooting your computer when you find there’s a program open on your computer that has become frozen and refuses to close.

You can access Windows Task Manager in Windows XP by pressing the Ctrl + ALT + Delete keys. In Windows Vista you can use Ctrl + ALT + ESC. In Windows 7 you can access Task Manager by pressing  Ctrl+SHIFT+ESC. You can also open Task Manager in XP/Vista and Windows 7 by right-clicking an empty area on the taskbar and then clicking Task Manager

The next time you have tasks to manage, don’t forget Windows Task Manager. That’s what it’s there for. So use it!