What software tool can you use to see the applications that are currently running?

Introduction

When it comes to managing your computer’s performance and troubleshooting issues, it is essential to have a tool that allows you to see the applications that are currently running. This information can help you identify resource-intensive programs, monitor system performance, and close unresponsive applications. In this article, we will explore a software tool that can provide you with this functionality.

Task Manager: A Windows Built-In Tool

If you are using a Windows operating system, the built-in Task Manager is the go-to software tool for viewing currently running applications. To access the Task Manager, you can right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager” from the context menu, or press “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” on your keyboard.

Once the Task Manager opens, you will see several tabs, including “Applications,” “Processes,” “Performance,” and more. The “Applications” tab provides a list of all the currently running applications on your system. It displays the application name, status (running or not responding), and the user who launched the application.

Activity Monitor: A Mac Built-In Tool

For Mac users, the built-in Activity Monitor serves the same purpose as the Task Manager in Windows. To open the Activity Monitor, you can go to the “Applications” folder, then navigate to the “Utilities” folder, and finally click on “Activity Monitor.”

In the Activity Monitor, you will find several tabs, including “CPU,” “Memory,” “Energy,” and more. The “CPU” tab, which is the default tab, shows a list of all the currently running applications and processes. It provides information about the CPU usage, threads, energy impact, and more.

Third-Party Tools

Apart from the built-in tools provided by the operating systems, there are also third-party software tools available that offer more advanced features for monitoring running applications. These tools often provide additional information and metrics to help you analyze and optimize your system’s performance.

One popular third-party tool is “Process Explorer” by Sysinternals, which is available for Windows. It provides a more detailed view of running processes and allows you to search for specific processes, view process properties, and even kill processes if needed.

For Mac users, “iStat Menus” is a widely used third-party tool that offers a comprehensive system monitoring solution. It not only displays the currently running applications but also provides real-time information about CPU usage, memory usage, network activity, and more.

Conclusion

Having a software tool to see the applications that are currently running is crucial for managing system performance and troubleshooting issues. The built-in Task Manager and Activity Monitor are excellent options for Windows and Mac users, respectively. However, if you require more advanced features and detailed information, third-party tools like Process Explorer and iStat Menus can provide additional functionality.

Regardless of the tool you choose, being able to monitor and manage running applications can help you optimize your system’s performance and ensure a smooth computing experience.

References

– Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/
– Apple: https://www.apple.com/
– Sysinternals: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/
– iStat Menus: https://bjango.com/mac/istatmenus/