Task manager and system monitoring in Intro to Computing - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the main purpose of a task manager in a computer system?

A task manager helps you see and control all the programs and processes running on your computer. It lets you check which apps use the most resources and stop any that are not responding.

beginner

Name two common system resources that system monitoring tools track.

System monitoring tools often track CPU usage and memory (RAM) usage to help understand how much of the computer's power is being used.

intermediate

How does a system monitor help improve computer performance?

By showing which programs use the most resources, a system monitor helps you close or fix heavy apps, freeing up resources and making your computer run smoother.

beginner

What is a process in the context of task management?

A process is a program or task that is currently running on your computer. Each process uses some system resources like CPU and memory.

beginner

Why might you want to end a process using a task manager?

You might end a process if it is frozen, using too many resources, or causing problems, to help your computer work better.

Which of the following is NOT typically shown in a task manager?

A List of running processes

B CPU usage percentage

C Internet browsing history

D Memory usage

Task managers show running processes and resource usage, but they do not display your internet browsing history.

What action can you take in a task manager if a program is not responding?

A Restart the computer only

B Delete the program files

C Increase CPU speed

D End the process

You can end the process to stop a program that is not responding.

Which system resource is most directly related to how fast your computer can process tasks?

A CPU usage

B Hard drive space

C Screen resolution

D Network speed

CPU usage shows how much of the processor's power is being used, which affects task processing speed.

What does high memory usage in a system monitor usually indicate?

A Many programs are running and using RAM

B The computer is overheating

C The screen brightness is too high

D The keyboard is not working

High memory usage means many programs or processes are using the computer's RAM.

Which tool would you use to check which programs are slowing down your computer?

A Text editor

B Task manager

C Web browser

D File explorer

Task manager shows running programs and their resource use, helping identify slow programs.

Explain what a task manager does and why it is useful.

Think about how you can control programs on your computer.

Describe how system monitoring helps keep a computer running smoothly.

Consider what happens when your computer feels slow.