On Process tab, you can identify processes that are consuming a lot of processor time. Click twice on CPU column heading to sort CPU column so processes hogging most CPU time on top. You can sort "Mem Usage" column same way.

On Application tab, if you right click on name of an application and, in popup menu that appears, choose "Go To Process", Task Manager will open Processes tab and highlight process that runs application. On Processes tab, if you right-click on name of a process, you can choose "SetPriority" and promote priority of process you need (or demote priority of a different process to free up some resources).

If you go to Application tab and shut down an application, you will shut down any processes related to that application. Or, you might choose to shut down a background process that you can identify. To shut down an application or process, click on it's name in list to highlight it, then click on End Task button.

On Processes tab, if you right click on name of a process, you can choose "End Process Tree" to kill process and any sub-processes started by process.

Task Manager can also be used for troubleshooting. If an application freezes up, you can open Task Manager and shut down application. If entire system freezes up, you can use Task Manager to shut down a process that is hogging all CPU time or memory.

If you spend some time monitoring your computer with task Manager, eventually you will become familiar with processes that commonly run. Then, when you see an unfamiliar process, you can do a little investigation to make sure it's not a virus. For example, if you see msblast.exe in process list, your computer is infected with Blaster virus. You might be able to detect and eliminate a new virus before an antivirus update is available.

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4. Create a backup - even best plan can be circumvented - be prepared for worst with a complete backup of your hard drive! If you already have a CD burner and software installed in your machine, you probably have tools to create a complete system backup - for only cost of a few CD-R's!

Obviously, costs to properly protect yourself from worst threats to your security are almost nil. If you need help with any step above, simply use a Google search to find help - it's freely available.

Follow these four simple steps and you will have implemented comprehensive and complete protection for your PC. If you are unable to initiate your own plan, hire an expert to do job. You won't be sorry!

© 2003 ODEC

Mike Burstein has been helping the SOHO and Small Business community grow & prosper for over 20 years by solving start up problems, creating best practices, automating their offices, getting free publicity and dramatically increasing traffic and sales.