A task is "an execution path through address space". In other words, a set of program instructions that is loaded in memory. The address registers have been loaded with the initial address of the program. At the next clock cycle, the CPU will start execution, in accord with the program. The sense is that some part of 'a plan is being accomplished'. As long as the program remains in this part of the address space, the task can continue, in principle, indefinitely, unless the program instructions contain a halt, exit, or return. The terms computer program, software program, applications program, system software, or just program are used to refer to either an executable program by both lay people and computer programmers or the collection of source code from which an executable program is created (eg, compiled). ... In computer science, an instruction typically refers to a single operation of a processor within a computer architecture. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... In synchronous digital electronics, such as most computers, a clock signal is a signal used to coordinate the actions of two or more circuits. ... CPU redirects here; for other uses, see CPU (disambiguation). ... Halt (from German: stop) can refer to: In computing, especially assembly language, a halt or stop command is a directive to cease the execution of a task. ... Look up Exit on Wiktionary, the free dictionary EXIT or exit is a name for several entities: An exit can denote a way out of a building, city, or place. ... In computer programming, subprograms (functions) will return to the higher-level programs, which called them; return ends the current task. ...

• In the computer field, "task" has the sense of a real-time application, as distinguished from process, which takes up space (memory), and execution time. See operating system.
  • Both "task" and "process" should be distinguished from event, which takes place at a specific time and place, and which can be planned for in a computer program.
    • In a computer graphical user interface (GUI), an event can be as simple as a mouse click.
    • In older text-based computer interfaces, an event might be a keystroke.

For a real-time system, a computer may be too slow, so dedicated hardware solutions for performing a task may be employed, rather than a pure software solution. This hardware might be a digital, or an analog circuit, or a hybrid of many technologies. Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... In computing, a process is a running instance of a program, including all variables and other state. ... An operating system is a special computer program that manages the relationship between application software, the wide variety of hardware that makes up a computer system, and the user of the system. ... An event is something that takes place; an occurrence and arbitrary point in time. ... A graphical user interface (or GUI, sometimes pronounced gooey) is a method of interacting with a computer through a metaphor of direct manipulation of graphical images and widgets in addition to text. ...

For many commercial businesses, a person may be an integral part of the solution. In this case, the entire "person(s) + (hardware/software) system" serve as the agent of the task which is being performed. An agent is an autonomous entity with an ontological commitment and agenda of its own. ...

See also

• Thread
• Process states
• Process