Which tool is recommended for monitoring real-time performance and resource usage on a Windows server?

Performance Monitor is the recommended tool for monitoring real-time performance and resource usage on a Windows server because it provides a comprehensive and customizable interface to observe various performance metrics. This tool allows users to monitor CPU usage, memory consumption, disk activity, and network performance in real time, presenting data in easily digestible graphical formats.

Performance Monitor also enables users to create specific data sets using counters, so one can tailor the monitoring to suit particular needs, such as tracking performance against predefined thresholds or analyzing historical data trends through logging capabilities. This level of detail and customization makes it invaluable for administrators who need to ensure that their server resources are being used efficiently and to troubleshoot performance-related issues as they arise.

While Task Manager offers a quick overview of currently running processes and basic resource usage, it lacks the depth and customization options that Performance Monitor provides. Server Manager is more focused on system configuration and management tasks rather than detailed performance monitoring. Event Viewer logs system and application events and serves as a tool for troubleshooting issues rather than providing ongoing performance metrics.