Monitor Your CPU

1. Add the CPU Meter gadget to the desktop. (See the earlier task, "Open the Gadget Gallery and Add Gadgets to the Desktop.")
2. Use the readouts to monitor the following:
   • CPU (on the left) monitors how hard your CPU is working to process various programs and processes running on your computer.
   • Memory (on the right) monitors the percent of your computer memory that's being used.

Tip That's about all there is to CPU Meter! You can click the Size button to toggle between a larger and smaller version, but you can't make any settings for it. It's just a little reminder that helps you keep track of your computer's performance. If memory is almost at 100 percent, consider freeing some space. If the CPU is at a higher percentage, odds are you have lots of programs running, which could be slowing down your computer's performance; consider shutting down some!

If you want more detail about your computer memory usage, use the Start menu to display the Control Panel and choose System and Security. The System links allow you to monitor the processor speed and the amount of RAM (random access memory) available.