Taskpad views and tasks

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Taskpad views and tasks

Taskpad views are pages to which you can add views of the details pane of a console, as well as shortcuts to functions both inside and outside a given console. You can use these shortcuts to run tasks such as starting wizards, opening property pages, performing menu commands, running command lines, and opening Web pages. You can configure a taskpad view so that it contains all the tasks a given user might need. In addition, you can create multiple taskpad views in a console, so that you can group tasks by function or user.

A taskpad view may make it easier for new users to perform their jobs. For instance, you can add applicable tasks to a taskpad view and then hide the console tree, so that users can begin using tools before they are familiar with the location of particular items in the console tree or operating system.

You might also use taskpad views to make complex tasks easier. For instance, if you must frequently perform a task involving multiple snap-ins and other tools, you can present tasks to open or run the necessary dialog boxes, property pages, command lines, and scripts in a single location.

For more information about creating taskpad views and tasks, see Creating consoles.