Monitor CPU Usage for a More Stable System

Obviously it is more desirable to initiate a controlled shutdown or lessen your computer's workload than experience a system crash that could result in data loss. One way to achieve this goal is to monitor the amount of resources your computer is using.
You can easily monitor resource use by keeping the CPU meter from Windows Task Manager running in your system tray:

Here's how:

1: Key Control/Alt/Delete to open the Windows Task Manager.

2. Click "Options" and then check "Minimize on Use" and "Hide when Minimized."

3. Click the "minimize" button rather than the "close" button and the little resource meter will stay in your system tray and let you see how hard your processor is working.

The amount of light green in the resource meter gives a quick visual indication of your CPU usage.

Hold your mouse over the icon to see the actual percentage of resources being used. Double click the icon for quick access to the Task Manager.

CPU usage will vary significantly depending on what tasks your computer is working on. However, if the CPU meter fills with light green and remains that way for more than a few minutes, it is probably a good idea to free up some CPU resources by closing a few running applications. If closing applications doesn't help, it might be time to reboot your computer. Of course, if your computer is performing a prolonged CPU intensive task such as scanning, high CPU usage is no real cause for concern.

If you no longer want the CPU meter running in your system tray, simply double click the icon to open the task manager and then click the "Close" button. The Windows Task Manager will close and the CPU meter will no longer be displayed.

Keeping an eye on your computer's CPU usage can help you to avoid trouble before it strikes.


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