In the following simple solution, I cover how to Open the Task Manager on a Remote Desktop Connection. As I am sure you already know, the local  keyboard combination Ctrl + Alt + Del does not work on a remote machine. However, the alternate solution is simplier than one might think.

How to Easily Run Task Manager Remotely

Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Or to Start Task Manager – Windows XP Remote Desktop

Right click the Taskbar -> select Task Manager

Or to Start Task Manager – Windows 7 Remote Desktop

Right click the Taskbar -> select Start Task Manager