 |
 WinTasks Pro
February 28, 2005 - Part II
WinTasks Pro doesn't have an appropriate name or description for every application, and some unrecognized programs retain the initial IDs that their developers supplied even after WinTasks Pro has fetched all the available updates. It would have been better if users were allowed to create descriptions of the unrecognized programs and feed them to the shared processes database, so that other users could retrieve the new definitions and use them on their own systems. This could have led to better, quicker process-library compilation and could have facilitated faster user recognition of unknown processes. This principle is used in the renowned CD database (www.CDDB.org), which can be updated by users who upload unrecognized discs' track information.
The program's Autostart button is similar to the msconfig startup window and doesn't have any advantages over it.
The Block button allows you to put an application on a blocked-applications list; WinTasks Pro blocks any startup attempts by programs on that list. This is a useful and interesting feature, but once you add an application to the blocked list, WinTasks Pro automatically terminates that program, and you lose all unsaved data, so use caution when using this function. To remove an application from the blocked list, allowing it to run again, click the Block List button and uncheck the intended application.
Two great features that I find very useful are the option to view statistics for each application and the option to view internal DLL components.
When you highlight any program and click the Stats button, you can view statistics for that program in a simple graphical representation that shows scalable graphs for memory and processor usage.
A similar option is available through Task Manager, but it shows graphs for the performance of the entire Windows OS, not for a single selected process.
What's strange is that in this graph, the line started to plot from the time the Statistics window was opened, not from the time when WinTasks Pro or the selected program started. That's slightly discouraging, because you don't have the chance to view the overall stats for the program - only the stats from the point when the Statistics window was opened. Also, sometimes the Statistics window won't close, forcing you to exit the program to close this window.
A truly amazing feature is the program's ability to display internal DLL components. When you select a program and click the DLLs button, WinTasks Pro displays the DLL components of a selected process. The following screen shot shows this feature for the Photoshop program; you can see all DLLs arranged according to their local placement on the machine. For me, the option to view DLLs allows me to get a better handle on the internal configuration of the selected program.
The Scripts window would appeal to folks who know something about programming. This feature allows you to create scripts that a program would use to perform minor scenario operations, such as decreasing the priority of the program. In this example, Windows Media Player, would be decreased in priority should its processor load surpass 80 percent of the total CPU time.
In the Whitepapers section of the developer's Web site,there are plenty of practical script examples that you might find interesting to try.
Finally, practical tools for logging and printing the active processes will help you relate what's been happening on your computer to a person who's more experienced in this field.
Verdict
WinTasks Pro is a powerful program that can make it easier for people to understand what's been running on their computers, but the tool is slightly clumsy and is best used in conjunction with the standard Task Manager. Nevertheless, the cool Statistics window and the outstanding portrayal of process DLLs would prove indispensable to many people who are curious about what running programs consist of. A trial period allows you to fully uncover the program's possibilities and decide whether to keep it.
Developer's web site: www.liutilities.com
Download link: www.liutilities.com/products/trial
Back to Part I
|
|
