Use Task Manager to view the current state of the system and running applications. Task Manager is made up of the following tabs:

• Use the Applications tab to view the status of all current applications running on the computer. Use this tab to terminate unresponsive applications.
• Use the Processes tab to view the status of all current processes running on their computer and the CPU and memory resources they use. Use this tab to modify the priority of a process or terminate unwanted processes.
• Use the Performance tab to view system-wide processor and memory statistics.
• Use the Networking tab to view and monitor the status of the current network connections.

Computer Management is a saved MMC console that includes common snap-ins used to manage your computer. Some common ways to start Computer Management include:

• On the Start menu, right-click My Computer (or Computer) and select Manage.
• Double-click the Computer Management icon in Administrative Tools in the Control Panel.

Use the Device Manager to modify hardware settings, troubleshoot problems, and update drivers. Use Device Manager to:

• Add, remove, or update device drivers for hardware.
• Enable or disable devices.
• View technical properties of devices.
• Configure Windows to ignore devices that are malfunctioning. 

Use Event Viewer to view logs about programs, system events, and security. Each entry is listed as a warning, error, or information event. Events are added to the following logs:

• The Application log contains a list of all application-related events such as application installations, un-installations, and application errors.
• The System log contains a list of all system-related events such as system modifications, malfunctions, and errors.
• The Security log contains a list of all security-related events such as security modifications and user login events.

Additional logs might be added by applications or services.

A service is a program that processes requests from other applications or users. Services can start automatically or they might be constantly running in the background, waiting for service requests. Use the Services snap-in to view and manage running services. The service startup behavior determines how the service is started.

• When set to Automatic, the service is started automatically by Windows when the system boots.
• When set to Manual, the service must be manually started.
• When Disabled, the service will not run.

Performance Monitor displays statistics that tell you about the operation of your computer.

• A counter identifies a specific statistic, such as % Processor Time or % Disk Free Space.
• You can add or remove counters to customize the statistics you can see.
• Real-time data are displayed in a graph.
• Performance Monitor by itself does not save any data. To save statistics over time, use a data collector set.

Reliability Monitor maintains historical data that describe the operating system's stability.

• Overall system stability is given a stability index that ranges from 1 to 10 (10 being the most stable). The stability rating is affected by application, hardware, Windows, and other failures.
• Reliability Monitor shows an historical chart that identifies when software installs/uninstalls and failures have occurred. By clicking on a day, you can view the changes to the system that have affected its stability.

Use Msinfo32 to view hardware and configuration information for your computer. While much of this information is available through other tools, Msinfo32 provides a single location for viewing information such as:

• Operating system version
• Computer manufacturer, processor type, available memory
• Installed devices and drivers used
• Running tasks
• Applications that run at system startup

You can only view, not modify, configuration settings in Msinfo32.

Use the System Configuration Utility to configure your system to enable optimal troubleshooting and diagnosis of technical issues. Use the System Configuration Utility to:

• Configure startup preferences
• Configure system components
• View and customize Windows setup components
• Customize Bootup configuration
• Turn services on or off
• Enable and disable startup utilities and programs