Task definition (computer)

In computing, a task is a unit of execution or a unit of work. The term is ambiguous; other more precise terms are process, thread (for execution), request, step, among others.

In English task.

Tasks as processes

In the sense of «unit of execution», in some operating systems, a task is synonymous with «process»; while in other systems it is synonymous with thread.

I suggest reading: Process.

Tasks as unit of work

In the sense of «unit of work», in a job a task can correspond to a single step of the job.

In online systems, tasks usually correspond to a single request or query.

Distinction between task and event

Both task and process should be distinguished from an event, which occurs at a specific time and place, and which can be scheduled in a computer program. For example, in a graphical user interface, an event can be as simple as a mouse click or a keyboard key press. Clearly these are neither tasks nor processes.

windows task manager

I suggest reading: task manager.

Windows task bar

I suggest reading: taskbar.