File Explorer & Task Manager are made much better in Windows 8

 

The Windows 8 experience is about more than just the Start screen and Windows 8 apps. It also offers improvements to the tools that you use every day, like File Explorer and TaskManager.

File Explorer

File Explorer is the new Windows Explorer. File Explorer has quite a history, going all the way back to the days of MS-DOS. Over the years, the tool now known as File Explorer has evolved. It used to be called File Manager, and for a long time it was called Windows Explorer. With the release of Windows 8, Windows Explorer is now known as File Explorer.

File Explorer is used for file management tasks. Whether the task is to copy or move a file, to delete it or get its properties, when people use File Explorer they’re working with files and folders. With this in mind, File Explorer has been optimized for file management tasks. Frequently used commands, such as those related to copying and moving files, are available in a ribbon. Commands for accessing properties and creating new files and folders are available in the same ribbon.

People share files more frequently today, and File Explorer provides a new Share menu that contains frequently used commands such as zip and email, along with advanced sharing and security.

View options, which are also frequently used, have their own menu in File Explorer. You no longer need to go into Folder and Search Options and search through complex menus just to see hidden items or file name extensions; those are now available with check boxes right in the View menu.

File Explorer also has contextual menu options. When viewing a library such as the Picture library, you’ll see tools that make sense for working with pictures. There are contextual tools available for things like Video and other libraries as well. This gives you the tools you need for the types of files you’re working with at a given time.

Task Manager

With the new Task Manager, you can quickly see running programs and can also end tasks if there is an issue. But IT pros and power users frequently want to see more information about the running tasks and the overall status of the system.

By clicking More Details, you see a significant amount of information about the processes running on your PC, its performance, and so on (Figure 2-7). Merely looking at the available tabs reveals that there is a lot of information and many options here. Like File Explorer, the Task Manager interface has been redesigned to serve the needs of all types of users.

Windows 8 reflects changes in today’s workplace by providing an immersive experience that you and your users will love. It gives people the freedom to get their work done the way they want on the types of devices they want. Windows 8 builds on the foundation set by Windows 7. Features like File Explorer and Task Manager have been updated and enhanced for today’s users. These and other tools give you the ability to be more productive.