“Open your task manager” is a pretty basic instruction, but it’s also confusing. What is a task manager? Chances are no one has told you. Click here to learn.
The question of “what is a Task Manager” has a straightforward answer.
Namely, this tool is a key component of almost every major OS. We can find it in all versions of Microsoft Windows since 2000. Mac OS has it, albeit there it carries a different name.
There are some variations across systems and their versions, but the fundamentals are the same.
One related question is “what can a task manager do for me”. This one takes a bit more to properly unravel and we’ll do it in this article. We’ll show you how to open the tool and exert control over processes and apps through it.
So, without further ado, let’s get down to business.
What Is a Task Manager in a Nutshell?
Task Manager is a bridge connecting hardware and software realms.
You can think of it as a dashboard that offers an overview of performance and tasks (processes). For instance, it’s possible to examine how much memory and CPU apps are consuming.
Depending on how you’re actually using it, Task Manager is both a rudimentary and advanced tool. We will naturally start with the basics.
Most users employ the Manager to see what their OS is running. They investigate the list of programs that are open or play out in the background.
Notice some programs operate as a set of separate processes. This is the case, for instance, with Google Chrome.
End Task is easily one of the most used features. With it, you’re able to close the non-responsive program without having to restart your OS. You may lose unsaved data upon termination though.
Activity Monitor enables you to do the same thing. It can force-close frozen apps and processes. Apart from that, it allows you to close CPU-hungry processes and speed the computer up a bit.
Just be careful not to shut down core processes that your OS requires to function or processes that are integral to its security.
How Does One Open It?
Task Manager is always right there at your fingertips.
You can open it by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc or Ctrl+Alt+Del. Another way to do it is by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting the option there. Some people prefer to use a Command Prompt window or select the Run option.
Additional methods exist for Windows 8 and 10, as well as macOS.
In case you have trouble opening your Task Manager, spyware and malware are the most likely culprits behind it. It goes without saying you should scan your computer immediately.
One other possibility is that your Task Manager file is corrupted. You can either repair OS installation or revert to an earlier restore point.
To open Activity Monitor, macOS equivalent of Task Manager, you can use Spotlight. Alternatively, navigate to the Application folder under Utilities.
Once opened, Task Manager/Activity Monitor is easy to use and move around. Newer versions of Windows and macOS tend to be even more user-friendly than their predecessors.
Task Manager Nuts and Bolts
Different Windows Task Managers include the following tabs:
- Applications
- Processes
- Services
- Performance
- Networking
- Users
- App History
- Startup
- Details
Applications tab used to be the most visited of all. This was largely due to the fact it featured the End Task option. People could stop a malfunctioning and frozen program with just a few clicks.
Windows 8 and 10 discontinued the Applications tab and moved the End Task function to the Processes tab. As the name suggests, it allows users to see all processes that are currently in effect.
The Services tab plays a similar role. The difference is it shows all Windows Services that are active.
Performance tab, on the other hand, is a place where one can check all computer resources. This is to say memory, disk drive, CPU, Wi-Fi, and network. Newer versions also involve charts detailing how the resources are used in real-time.
App History tab was rolled in with Windows 8. It showcases the history of apps, which aren’t to be confused with Windows Programs.
Finally, the Startup tab outlines all programs that run with Windows. You can disable them to improve load time at the start.
Mac OS: Activity Monitor
A task manager for Mac products is called Activity Monitor.
It works in much the same way as the Windows counterpart, but it’s a utility app that comes with macOS. You can use it to inspect a bunch of processes (including hidden/background ones) that are running in real-time.
This synopsis is the key to understanding how they affect the performance of your computer. What is more, Activity Monitor is designed to troubleshoot problems such as slowdowns, black screens, and white screens.
The five main categories of interest are:
- Memory
- CPU
- Disk
- Cache
- Network
Each category holds a list of details that change from one second to the other. You can investigate whether programs are using too many resources or misbehaving in any way.
For example, the CPU tab has information regarding %CPU, CPU Time, Threads, Idle Wake Apps, and User. Here, you gain a pretty good idea of how this essential resource is harnessed.
Similarly, the Memory tab reveals indicators such as cashed files, computer RAM, memory pressure, and memory used. Some of them are color-coded (green, yellow, red) and other feature graphs.
Other tabs have vital information too, so be sure to check them out.
Become a Smooth Operator
The dilemmas of “what is a task manager and what it does” have been answered.
As you’ve seen, this tool is the bread and butter of using operating systems. It’s a means of monitoring computer performance and checking if everything is working properly. You can address common issues and ensure optimal allocation of hardware resources.
So, if you mean to make the most of your user experience, you have to get a hang of it.
Make a habit of regularly opening the Manager and see what’s happening under the good. Perform health checkups and maintenance. Explore additional and hidden options.
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