how to stop IE when it uses all processor?

I am finding it increasingly common that IE locks up and uses the entire
processing power when it is searching for things inside websites such as
Amazon.

In 'the old days' there was a 'break' button. Then there was 'ctrl; alt;
del'. Now there appears to be only Task Manager or Process Explorer, both
of which need substantial processing power to run, so that one is lucky if
they open at all when one is in trouble. As often as not, nowadays, even if
one has the relevant process viewer open, nothing happens when one elects to
'end process' or 'end process tree'!

I've just had to pull the plug for the nth time!

Does anyone know of a way to simply abort whichever process is taking up the
most processing power at the touch of a button: or is pulling the plug now
the only method possible. If so: progress? I think not!

(I did a lot of security sleuthing recently, when I was having TCP/IP
errors, so I think the system is about as 'clean' as I am likely to be able
to get it.)

Is there a magic button out there somewhere?

Regards,

S


.