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SOLVED: Auto suspend programs when focus changes to new window & free up resources

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steveorg:
I usually overload my computer with too many simultaneous programs. Before I know it, CPU usage is through the roof. I figure that I have two choices - become more disciplined about shutting down programs or request a coding snack. Self-discipline is not my strong suit so here I am.

Sometimes I lower CPU usage by suspending programs with Process Explorer. It's almost inevitable that I'll forget to resume a program and have to waste time figuring out why I can't switch to the window.

Would it be possible to auto-suspend programs when the focus changes to another window and automatically resume when the focus switches back? The program would reside in the system tray. Features would include a list of programs that never should never be suspended and check boxes to suspend/resume programs in the system tray. There would also be a way for one time switches that would leave a program running - something like a hot key in lieu of alt-tab.

The result would be a minimal number of processes running at once, which would free up a tremendous amount of system resources. Is this possible or am I living in a fantasy world?

MilesAhead:
You could take a look at Mouser's Process Tamer. Also I'm sure there are freeware apps that give more of a priority boost to the foreground than Windows does by default.  That sort of approaches the effect you want I think.  If you are trying to save resources by duplicating the system resource management it seems self-defeating. It may be better to come up with an easier way to close multiple apps when you are done with them.  With all the gizmos around there must be something like that.

Having dormant apps taking up ram sounds even worse than caching apps you're not going to run. :)

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