Starting and Setting Up Task Manager

Task Manager is integrated into Windows NT 4.0 Workstation and Server and does not need to be installed separately. This section explains how to use Task Manager as a performance monitoring tool. For more general information, see Task Manager Help.

To start Task Manager, use any of these methods:

• Press ctrl+shift+esc.

• Use the right mouse button to click the Task Bar, then click Task Manager.

• Press ctrl+alt+delete, then click Task Manager.

You can also start Task Manager from the command prompt or the Run command, and you can create a shortcut to Taskmgr.exe.

Task Manager has three tabs, but the status bar always displays the total number of processes, CPU use, and virtual memory use for the system. Note the following display possibilities:

• All Task Manager columns can be resized.

• Clicking a column sorts its entries in ascending or descending order.

• Double-clicking the window frame toggles the menu bar, tabs, and status bar on and off for a compact footprint. You can then resize the window as desired.

• Select Always on Top from the Options menu to keep the window in view as you switch between applications.

• Press ctrl+tab to toggle between tabs.

When Task Manager is running, an accurate miniature CPU usage gauge appears on the taskbar on the end opposite the Start button. When you touch it with the cursor, it displays the percentage of processor use in text format. The miniature gauge always matches the CPU Usage History chart on the Performance tab.

To make Task Manager the top window, double-click the gauge, or click the gauge with the right mouse button and select Task Manager from the menu that appears.

If you run Task Manager frequently and don't want to see its icon on your taskbar, click Hide When Minimized from the Options menu. To open a hidden Task Manager, click the Task Manager CPU gauge on the taskbar.