Task Killer

Task Killer is an advanced application management utility that can help users of all knowledge levels to very easily take full control over their apps. Built to serve as an alternative to the popular Windows OS utility Task Manager, this small application takes a completely different approach for terminating processes, active applications, windows, and services. Instead of being based on a large windowed interface, it offers its services as a small tray utility that users can access with a simple mouse click.

The development of this app was started during the popularity of older versions of Windows OS, wherein some situations frozen tasks would even prevent users from accessing the traditional Task Manager interface. To provide a solid alternative to this issue, developers from RSD Software have managed to craft this small (less than half of the megabyte) application and its wide variety of built-in customizations.

It is important to note that the full functionality of this app can only be achieved on Windows 7 and older versions of Windows OS. On Windows 8, 8.1, 10 or 11, users will have access only to the limited listing of active processes, thus severely restricting its usefulness. On the other hand, users on Windows XP-7 will have unrestricted access to all active and background processes and services.

The app offers extensive customization options, with a built-in tool for switching listing styles for active processes (numbers of columns and more). Important system processes can also be separated by their location (moved to the top of the list) or their color. To prevent the occurrence of an accidental shutdown of an important process or service, users can enable confirmation dialogs or even blacklist some processes away from the list. The app supports keyboard shortcuts, but this feature is turned off by default, enabling users to use both Task Manager and Task Killer.

PROS

• Easy app management
• Small tray utility
• Extensive customization

CONS

• Lack of official support and updates
• Limited functionality on newer Windows OS
• No default keyboard shortcuts

Task Killer is 100% FREE and can be used on all modern versions of Windows OS.  It is distributed inside a small automated installer that enables users of all knowledge levels to easily deploy it on their desktop PC or laptop.