Windows XP Tips for Task Manager - Controlling Applications (Page 4 of 4 )
Perhaps you've noticed that the previous sections have focused on ways to fix problems that have happened to your computer. Good for you! Have a cookie. Well it just so happens that there are preventative measures you can take to avoid all the problems mentioned earlier. Oh, and of course they're achieved via the uber handy Task Manager, the ultimate tool to keep your computer running as fast as it can.
Here I will tell you how to adjust how fast each program runs in Windows. In other words, I'll show you how to set program priorities, or use the Task Manager to set individual programs to run faster at the expense of others. This is useful because in standard operating mode, Windows has to let each program run simultaneously so that the whole system will work properly. However, it does not specify how fast each program has to run. Open your Task Manager and follow these instructions:
Click on the tab labeled Applications and choose which one(s) you want to run the fastest (and consequently, faster than normal).
Right click on that program and choose the option labeled Go to Process. The Task Manager will then direct you to the program as it's known under the tab labeled Processes (it usually has the .exe extension).
Right click on that process and choose Set Priority. Follow the arrow to the option labeled High and choose it (make sure you do not choose Realtime). There is a warning that Windows issues upon selecting a different priority. Click yes to clear the warning.
Exit out of the Task Manager. At this point, the program you set to a high priority will run faster as long as it is open. If you close it, you will have to go through this process again.
Please note that, although this program will run faster, all other programs will run slower because of it.
You've reached the end of this article. Hopefully I've helped you in some way by giving you some new information. If not, go ahead and pat yourself on the back because clearly you are on another level when it comes to Windows XP knowledge.
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