Using the Performance Tab

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The Performance tab is used to display a summary of memory, CPU usage, and general indicators. A more complete analysis of these items can be done by using the Performance Monitor seen later in this chapter (see the section entitled “Using the Performance Monitor”). Refer back to Figure 6.1 to see the Performance tab.

The first part of the Performance tab that is seen is the CPU usage and CPU history. These indicators show the total usage of the CPU by either the operating system or an application. The CPU usage indicates the percentage of the CPU in use at the last update count. The history displays the last few updates. The default update time is approximately one second. You can change this value by using the Update Speed under the View menu. Selecting a low update count allows for a longer time in the history window.

If the computer has several CPUs, you can set up the history portion to show one chart for all CPUs or one chart per CPU. Choose CPU History in the View menu to see the options. Additional detail on CPU history can be broken down to show the CPU usage of the Windows NT kernel (core of the operating system), by choosing Show Kernel Times in the View menu.

The Totals area of the Performance tab shows the total number of file handles, threads, and processes running. If you compare these counters before and after a new application starts, the difference indicates resource usage for this application.

The balance of the screen has to do with memory consumption. Table 6.2 lists the four main categories in the Performance tab.

The Performance Monitor tool shows all these counters in much more detail. The Task Manager is used to obtain a quick overview of the system. Information cannot be logged or printed from the Task Manager.