How to see what programs are running on PC
In today’s digital age, it’s essential to know what programs are running on your PC. This knowledge can help you manage system resources, identify potential security threats, and optimize your computer’s performance. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech-savvy individual, being aware of the programs running on your PC is crucial. In this article, we will guide you through various methods to see what programs are running on your PC, regardless of whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux.
1. Using the Task Manager on Windows
The Task Manager is a built-in utility in Windows that allows you to monitor and manage running programs. To open the Task Manager, press `Ctrl + Shift + Esc` or right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager.” Once the Task Manager is open, you will see a list of all running programs and processes. Here’s how to navigate through the Task Manager:
– The “Processes” tab displays all the running processes, including system and user applications.
– The “Performance” tab provides real-time information about CPU, memory, disk, and network usage.
– The “Startup” tab lists all the programs that start automatically when you boot your PC. You can disable or remove unnecessary startup programs from this tab to improve system performance.
2. Using Activity Monitor on macOS
On macOS, the Activity Monitor is a similar utility to the Task Manager on Windows. To open the Activity Monitor, press `Cmd + Space`, type “Activity Monitor,” and press Enter. Here’s how to use the Activity Monitor:
– The “CPU” tab shows the CPU usage by each running process.
– The “Memory” tab displays the memory usage by each process.
– The “Energy” tab provides information about the energy usage of your Mac.
– The “Disk” tab shows the disk activity and usage by each process.
– The “Network” tab displays the network activity and usage by each process.
3. Using the System Monitor on Linux
Linux users can use the System Monitor to view running programs and processes. To open the System Monitor, press `Alt + F2`, type “System Monitor,” and press Enter. Here’s how to use the System Monitor:
– The “CPU” tab shows the CPU usage by each running process.
– The “Memory” tab displays the memory usage by each process.
– The “Swap” tab shows the swap usage and swap space information.
– The “Network” tab provides network activity and usage by each process.
– The “Disk” tab shows the disk activity and usage by each process.
4. Using third-party tools
If you’re looking for more advanced features or a user-friendly interface, you can consider using third-party tools like Process Explorer, htop, or top. These tools offer additional functionalities, such as filtering processes, searching for specific programs, and managing processes.
In conclusion, knowing what programs are running on your PC is essential for maintaining system performance and security. By using the built-in utilities in Windows, macOS, and Linux, or third-party tools, you can easily monitor and manage the programs running on your PC.
