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TaskExplorer is an advanced Windows Task Manager alternative

TaskExplorer is a free open source application for Microsoft Windows devices that may be used as an alternative to the operating system's built-in Task Manager.

Like other Task Manager alternatives such as System Explorer, TaskManager DeLuxe or Security Task Manager, it is designed to provide functionality that the native task manager application lacks.

In the case of TaskExplorer, it is a strong focus on providing its users with information on what processes actually do.

The program is available for 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Microsoft's Windows operating system. The minimum Windows version is Windows 7. The app itself is based on the Qt Framework which explains the, rather large, size of 37 Megabytes.

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The interface is quite noisy when you first start the program (it does not need to be installed). It displays performance bars at the top, a tree list of processes in a sidebar on the left, and information on the right.

The application updates the data in real-time but you may hit the pause button to stop the automatic refreshing. A click on the (rather small) arrow icon next to the refresh button displays options to change the automatic update interval from the default 1-second value to another. Values range from ultra-fast, which updates every 0.1 seconds to extremely-slow which updates every 10 seconds.

The main interface on the right is divided into two parts: a general administrative part at the top that displays system information by default, and a process-specific part at the bottom.

The administrative part at the top lists tabs that lead to pages filled with information. System for example provides general operating system information as well as an overview of memory, I/O or CPU activity. You may switch tabs to access advanced information about CPU, Memory, DNS, Services, Network, or GPU related information.

The lower half of the panel displays process-specific information. Information is updated when you select a process from the left sidebar. The interface is divided into tabs as well and you find a wealth of information listed there. From basic information such as the image file name and path, to handles, sockets, threads and more.

Right-click on any process in the sidebar to display a context menu. It lists the usual options, e.g. terminate or open folder, but also options to change the priority or affinity, permissions, or other advanced options such as "run as user", reduce working set, create crash dump, or debug.

TaskExplorer has more to offer than all that. You may use the application to free memory in multiple ways, flush the DNS cache, search for handles, modules or strings (in memory), or change the power state of the computer.

Closing Words

TaskExplorer is a powerful task manager for Microsoft Windows devices. It is designed for advanced users as it provides information that most regular users don't need.

Now you: do you use third-party task or process managers?

 

This article was first seen on ComTek's "TekBits" Technology News

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