CTRL ALT DEL sometimes also referred to as the Three finger salute.
A set of keystrokes that are familiar to many running Win NT, 2000, XP ... which gets you the task manager, a place where a list of what processes and applications are running, the memory usage and other operating system items of importance. Of importance to know EXPLORER.EXE is NOT Internet Explorer, so don't end that process. It is also the place where you can run down that list and highlight a frozen(crashed), hanging, or a misbehaving memory gorging application and choose to close it or end its insanity. This is a lot nicer than having to reboot the whole system, which was often the case in previous versions of Windows.
It can sometimes be confusing just what those listed programs are... some are very necessary and one has to take care not to end an important program. It can also be the place where you can check every so often to see how many processes are running on average. A big increase in numbers may indicate you have items running on your computer that you did not install or open, which may need further investigation. While working on the Win computer, some programs or applications may not close properly and new instances may not open, so it is a good place to check this situation out, too. Orphan programs(programs not in use or open) can be closed. Sometimes you may find several versions of internet explorer when you know there are none up and running. Cancel or end those instances - IEXPLORE.EXE listed on the Task Manager Processes tab. If Internet Explorer or another application or program will not open, check to make sure a previously closed instance is not still showing on that Task Manager Process list.
What is ... ?
It can be hard to tell just what some of these items are, though there are ways that you can find out. One easy way to find out, type the *name.exe* into Google and perform a search.
A list of processes that may be running inside windows task manager with descriptions of those items[good to know before you cancel a process you might need running.] is at:
Processes in Windows NT/2000/XP a large alphabetical list of processes that could be listed in your Task Manager window with descriptions for each.
Working with Windows?
Annoyances.org(aptly named) is one of the most complete collection of information assembled for and by actual users of Microsoft Windows, a place where you can find out all sorts of tips and information about running, fixing, troubleshooting, or tweaking various versions of Windows Operating systems.
Labmice.net is another handy resource for IT professionals who work with Windows Operating Systems. Their goal, to enable you to find the information you need in 3 clicks or less, a great feature of better website usability.
Posted by Holly at November 5, 2003 07:15 AM | TrackBack