Fellow Canadian Dave W. Plummer, a revered figure in the programming world, has left an indelible mark on Microsoft with his innovative contributions. Among his notable achievements are the introduction of ZIP file support for Windows, the successful adaptation of Space Cadet Pinball for Windows NT, and the creation of the Windows Task Manager. Legend has it that Plummer first conceptualized Task Manager in the comfort of his home before integrating it into Microsoft’s offerings. This essential tool made its debut on Windows PCs in 1996, paving the way for a legacy that continues to evolve.
For years, Plummer has been sharing his experiences and insights from the early days of Microsoft through his platform, Dave’s Garage. Earlier this year, he unveiled a captivating mockup of what Task Manager might have looked like had he remained at Microsoft after 2003. This concept was infused with a vibrant cyberpunk aesthetic, complete with neon lighting and an energetic synthwave soundtrack.
Fast forward six months, and Plummer has returned with a functional iteration of his vision, aptly named “Task Manager OG” or TMOG. While the neon glow remains, it has been dialed back, and the soundtrack has shifted to classic rock, offering a nostalgic yet modern twist.
“Say HELLO to my little friend, Task Manager OG! I’m pleased to announce the immediate availability of the MacOS version of TMOG today; Windows support will follow shortly, so follow for the update!”
Plummer describes TMOG as a blend of “the clarity of Activity Monitor” from macOS and “the depth of Task Manager” from Windows. The application presents essential information about CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and temperatures prominently, while offering deeper diagnostics just a click away. Notably, Plummer boasts that TMOG is “half the size of the Windows Task Manager.” Currently, users can download the beta version for free, available exclusively for macOS, with a native Win32 version on the horizon that requires no browser shell.
There’s another Task Manager alternative I’ve been enjoying
As I await the opportunity to test Plummer’s Task Manager OG on Windows, I want to highlight my recent switch to AppControl. This Windows 11 Task Manager alternative has proven to be quite capable, and I would argue that AppControl embodies the functionality that the stock Windows 11 Task Manager should have offered from the outset. It is available for free download directly from the official website, requiring no registration and collecting minimal data by default.
What do you think about the cyberpunk-esque look of Plummer’s Task Manager OG? Is it something you’ll try out on your Windows PC once it’s available? Will you test it out on your Mac first? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
The guy who built Windows Task Manager in 1996 just remade it with a cyberpunk vibe — but there’s one big issue for PC users
Fellow Canadian Dave W. Plummer, a revered figure in the programming world, has left an indelible mark on Microsoft with his innovative contributions. Among his notable achievements are the introduction of ZIP file support for Windows, the successful adaptation of Space Cadet Pinball for Windows NT, and the creation of the Windows Task Manager. Legend has it that Plummer first conceptualized Task Manager in the comfort of his home before integrating it into Microsoft’s offerings. This essential tool made its debut on Windows PCs in 1996, paving the way for a legacy that continues to evolve.
For years, Plummer has been sharing his experiences and insights from the early days of Microsoft through his platform, Dave’s Garage. Earlier this year, he unveiled a captivating mockup of what Task Manager might have looked like had he remained at Microsoft after 2003. This concept was infused with a vibrant cyberpunk aesthetic, complete with neon lighting and an energetic synthwave soundtrack.
Fast forward six months, and Plummer has returned with a functional iteration of his vision, aptly named “Task Manager OG” or TMOG. While the neon glow remains, it has been dialed back, and the soundtrack has shifted to classic rock, offering a nostalgic yet modern twist.
Plummer describes TMOG as a blend of “the clarity of Activity Monitor” from macOS and “the depth of Task Manager” from Windows. The application presents essential information about CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and temperatures prominently, while offering deeper diagnostics just a click away. Notably, Plummer boasts that TMOG is “half the size of the Windows Task Manager.” Currently, users can download the beta version for free, available exclusively for macOS, with a native Win32 version on the horizon that requires no browser shell.
There’s another Task Manager alternative I’ve been enjoying
As I await the opportunity to test Plummer’s Task Manager OG on Windows, I want to highlight my recent switch to AppControl. This Windows 11 Task Manager alternative has proven to be quite capable, and I would argue that AppControl embodies the functionality that the stock Windows 11 Task Manager should have offered from the outset. It is available for free download directly from the official website, requiring no registration and collecting minimal data by default.
What do you think about the cyberpunk-esque look of Plummer’s Task Manager OG? Is it something you’ll try out on your Windows PC once it’s available? Will you test it out on your Mac first? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.