DBC Task Manager

The launch of Windows 8 significantly modified the popular operating system in some of its key areas. One of the native apps that went through a complete makeover is the default task manager, with enhanced look and functionality.

Even with all the improvements, some users were not willing to upgrade, at least not immediately. If you are still hung up on Windows 7, you can take the Windows 8 Task Manager for a drive, thanks to DBC Task Manager.

DBC Task Manager is very similar to the Windows 8 Task Manager, with respect to both functions and appearance. The great thing about it is that you can use it side-by-side with the default task manager of Windows 7, replacing the latter only if you want to.

The application borrows almost all the tabs and options from the Windows 8 utility, except the 'App History' tab, offering you the opportunity to test all its features and work with a Task Manager that is better than ever.

Just like in Windows 8, the default interface displays active applications only. Additional information is available by pressing 'More details'.

You can use DBC Task Manager to get information on running apps, processes, services and startup items, view active users and monitor the computer's performance. Resource usage data is color-coded: the lighter the color, the more CPU or memory is allocated to the process.

System performance and network traffic monitoring are also available, comprising much more information than the Windows 7 task manager shows. It displays slick graphs of the CPU and memory usage, alongside statistical data about the number of running processes, the processor's speed, threads, and handles.

DBC Task Manager enables you to experiment with the overhauled Windows 8 Task Manager on a Windows 7 computer before you decide to upgrade. Aside from the missing 'App history' tab, their functions are almost identical.

DBC Task Manager enables you to customize graph colors to match your preferences. Also, it can save the retrieved information as HTML tables or take screenshots of its interface. It is more feature-packed and easier to use than the Windows 7 task manager and, if you consider it to be better, then you can choose to replace the native app.