A Windows utility that identifies all the current programs running in the computer. It is launched by right clicking the Taskbar or by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del. Task Manager is used to end programs that are no longer responding as well as to learn how much CPU time and memory programs are taking. The Task Manager tabs are summarized below. See
Win Taskbar.
Applications Tab (Win 7 and 10)
All running applications are displayed. To end an application, select the application name and click End Task. To display the running apps, click More Details at the bottom left side of the window. To see all the other options, click Fewer Details.
App History Tab (Win 10)
The running totals of CPU and network time taken by applications are displayed.
Processes Tab (Win 7 and 10)
All applications become at least one process; however, the operating system launches several of its own processes as well as others that have been set up to run automatically. To end a process, select the process name and click End Process.
Services Tab (Win 7 and 10)
Operating system services appear here. In Windows XP, the services were also in the Processes section. To end a service, select the service name and click End Service.
Performance Tab (Win 7 and 10)
CPU and memory usage is graphed in this section. In Vista and 7, the Resource Monitor button reports excruciating details for developers.
Details Tab (Win 10)
Reports some of the information for the developer that is found in the Resource Monitor in the Performance tab in Vista and 7 (above).
Networking Tab (Win 7)
The current packet traffic to and from the computer is reported here.
Users Tab (Win 7 and 10)
The number of active users on the computer is reported here.