What Is Task manager ( For Beginners )

A software utility found in Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, and Windows XP  etc... that enables a user to view each of the tasks currently running on the computer, each of the processes, and the overall performance of the computer. The Task Manager is easily accessed by pressing: "Ctrl + Alt + Del" on the keyboard. Below is a visual example of the Microsoft Windows Task Manager under Windows 2000. A quicker way to access the Task Manager is to press: Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

• Task Manager can also be executed by running the taskmgr.exe file from the C:\Windows\System32 directory or by clicking Start, Run and typing taskmgr.
• If a program is no longer responding users can also choose to "End Task" from the Task Manager to close the program without restarting the computer.
• Earlier versions of Microsoft Windows (Microsoft Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows 98) had a program known as tasks to display the current programs currently running. This file was executed by running the taskman.exe file from the C:\Windows directory.

If you're encountering issues opening the Task Manager it's possible that the computer could be infected with a virus or spyware. There are known malware designed to cause issues with opening the task manager and End Tasking them. If you're not able to open Task Manager using any of the recommendations on this page i suggest scanning your computer for viruses and spy-ware.

 Microsoft Windows Task Manager is a general quick and easy method of seeing what is running on the computer. As can be seen in the above example picture of the Windows Task Manager will first display the applications currently open. From here you can end any application that may not be responding or can't be closed.

Clicking on the Processes tab will not only display the applications that are running on the computer, but also all Windows processes that are affiliated with programs, drivers, and other hardware installed on the computer. In addition to seeing a list of processes, you'll also be able to quickly identify what processes are consuming your resources by clicking on "CPU" or "Mem Usage" buttons to sort by highest to lowest.

Windows process tool

Unfortunately, not all processes and services can be seen by the Windows Task Manager.  Which is why, if you're concerned with hidden background programs or other malicious software, you may want to try running a utility such as HijackThis etc..tool to get a full understanding of what is running and installed on your computer.