Security Task Manager

A Task Manager is a program that controls programs running on Windows.  Usually, people use it stop programs or review their status.  There would be no way to tell what your computer is doing without the manager.  The manager presents a view into the inner workings of your computer.

Some of the basics we cover here include:  starting the manager, viewing all processes, and ending a process.

Starting Task Manager

Windows Task Manager is built into Windows by default.  All versions of Windows have a built-in manager.  I prefer to start the manager by right-clicking the Task Bar at the bottom of the screen; and clicking “Start Task Manager.”  The task bar holds the start menu and the time.

You may also start the Windows Task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC or any of the following:

Windows XP

Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE

Windows Vista

Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, and then click Task Manager

Windows 7

Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, and then click Start Task Manager

The built-in Windows Task Manager is not the only Task Manager.  Process Explorer by SysInternals is very comprehensive.  It has many options for managing processes.  It may also be used to replace the Windows Task Manager.  Security Task Manager is another terrific manager.  It shows a security rating for listed programs.  Both Process Explorer and Security Task Manager may be opened from the Start Menu.

Viewing All Processes

All Task Managers list the processes on your computer when they start.  However, this list is not complete.  Other programs are hidden from the list.  You must have permission to view those other programs.

For the Windows XP, check the “Show All Processes” checkbox.  For Windows Vista and 7, click the “Show processes from all users” button.

For SysInternals Process Explorer, select “Show Details for All Processes” from the “File” pull-down menu.

For Security Task Manager, start it with Administrator rights.  To do this, from the start menu, right click on the Security Task Manager icon, and select “Run As Administrator”.  You will not see all process details as a regular user.

Once Security Task Manager is started, make certain the Windows Processes button is selected.  This will list everything that is running on your computer – even operating system routines.

Ending a Process

Ending a process is pretty easy.  All you need to do is highlight the process you want to stop.  Then click the End Process or Remove button.  Each manager will ask for further details – why? Because ending a process is no trivial matter.

Make certain you know what you are doing before you stop a process.  Windows uses a lot of different programs.  Each keeps your computer working properly.  Stopping the wrong one can turn your computer into a doorstop.  That being said, do not stop a process unless you absolutely have to.

Stopping a process is as simple as highlighting a name on a list and clicking a button.  Press the “End Process” Button.  A dialog will ask if you want to do this.  If you are sure, confirm and your program will be stopped.