The Task Manager (Windows)

If you're using Windows, the task manager is a really useful tool that lets you:

• View what processes (programs) your computer is currently running
• Manually kill any programs that aren't responding
• Monitor your CPU and RAM usage
• Monitor your network usage
• Restart/shutdown your computer when nothing else works

If you're experiencing problems with spyware or viruses, the task manager is an invaluable tool.

To open the task manager:

1. Press the following keys: CTRL + ALT + DEL
2. Depending on your configuration:
   1. the task manager may pop up immediately or
   2. you may have to click the Task Manager button in the Windows Security dialog window that pops up.

Common uses

• Terminating unresponsive programs - If a program is frozen (usually marked by Not Responding) you can manually kill it by selecting it in the Applications tab and clicking End Task. It may take up to 8 seconds for the program to close.

• Getting rid of spyware/viruses/other malware - These can usually be found in the Processes tab. Look out for names that are just random strings of numbers and letters--those are usually spyware/viruses. You can also try looking them up on our XP Processes list, or look up the process on google.

• Checking your computer's performance - Most useful for verifying if your system has enough RAM:
  • If you are using Windows 2000/XP: Check the Available value under Physical Memory (K) in the Performance tab. If this number is less than 50,000 you're probably experiencing a RAM shortage.
  • If you are using Windows Vista: Check the Cached and Free values under Physical Memory (MB) in the Performance tab. If these numbers combine to less than 50 you're probably experiencing a RAM shortage.