Running on Windows 7 has loads of benefits over running on Windows XP Pro, including an improvement in the Windows Task Manager tool, which finally shows “running processes”.
But Windows Task Manager still remains a bit of a tease. Sure it provides you with some usable information, but it falls far short of providing you with all the information that you really need. A recent free offering from Auslogics, of Auslogics Disk Defrag fame, takes up the challenge where Windows Task Manager leaves off.
A very simple interface makes it easy to use Auslogics Task Manager, for both novices and pros, to manage computer resources.
Windows task manager (on Win 7)
Versus Auslogics Task Manager (on Win 7)
Fast facts:
View application and process
Shows all open files including the application that has locked it
Provides a security rating
View open files
Shows CPU usage
View memory and disk utilization
Shows Internet traffic and priority
End or freeze a process
Adjust CPU affinity and priority
This is a terrific free application and I have added it to my geek toolbox. Since malware can often restrict access to the Windows Task Manager, this application is good insurance to have handy.
Note: also available in a portable version that is just right for geeks on the go.
Download at: Major Geeks
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Bill Mullins' Weblog - Tech Thoughts 
gee,prof Bill,this Auslogics utility seems a lot better than their defrag wch was,er,not too efficient…it seemed to be too quick to be true&a year later prof Donn Edwards confirmed it:
http://donnedwards.openaccess.co.za/2007/05/great-defrag-shootout-iv-auslogics-disk.html