Assignment: Exploring the Machine

In this assignment, you will explore a computer (i.e., a Windows PC or a Mac computer). Specifically, you will view the system's general information, create a folder on the desktop of the computer, and explore processes that are actively running. Because operating systems behave differently, you are encouraged to use the textbook and Internet to research the appropriate completion of each task.

Note: If you are using a PC computer which runs an instance of Microsoft Windows, complete Assignment 2A. If you are using a Mac, complete Assignment 2B. Do NOT complete both.

Submission Instructions

• Submit all files and written responses at the same time as one complete submission.

• Screenshot File Submission: You must submit the screenshot file(s) using the provided Assignment Submission Attach File function located in the Blackboard online course shell. To access Assignment Submission Attach File function, you must select the Assignment submission link located in Week 2 of the online course shell. Note: If you need a tutorial on taking a screen shot, visit one of the following locations: PC Users MAC Users

• Written Submission: You must submit written responses in the provided assignment submission text box located in the Blackboard online course shell. To access the assignment submission text box, you must select the Assignment submission link located in Week 2 of the online course shell.

Assignment 2A: (For students using a PC)

You may find these article(s) / video(s) helpful.

• "How do I take a screenshot?"
• "Introduction to Windows 7 Task Manager"
• "First Look At The Task Manager In Windows 8"

Complete the following:

1. Viewing system information (Screenshot and written response required)

a. View the system information (i.e., operating system, processor, memory) of the computer. (Help: From the Control Panel, select System and Security, and then select System; This navigation may vary depending on the version of Windows that you are currently using.)

b. List the computer's operating system, version of operating system, processor, and total memory (RAM) installed.

c. Take a screenshot displaying the system information as evidence of completion. Save the screenshot using an image file format (e.g., .png, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, or .bmp). Name the screenshot file using your full name followed by the word 'System' (e.g. JohnDoeSystem.png).

d. Submit the file and written response according to the submission instructions.

2. Exploring the Task Manager (Screenshot required)

a. Locate and view the Windows Task Manager on the computer. (Help: Commonly, you may open the Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar, and then clicking ‘Start Task Manager'; Or, by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Delete; This navigation may vary depending on the version of Windows that you are currently using.)

b. Record the total number of processes that are actively running.

c. Record the single process that is using the most memory.

d. Take a screenshot displaying the total number of processes running, and the process that is using the most memory as evidence of completion. Save the screenshot using an image file format (e.g., .png, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, or .bmp). Name the screenshot file using your full name followed by the word 'Activity' (e.g. JohnDoeActivity.png). Note: You may submit two screenshots if necessary.

e. Submit the file(s) and written response according to the submission instructions.

Creating a new folder (Screenshot required)

f. Create a folder on the desktop of the computer and name the folder using your full name. (e.g. John Doe).

g. Take a screenshot of the desktop with your newly created folder in the screenshot.

h. Save the screenshot using an image file format (e.g., .png, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, or .bmp). Name the screenshot file using your full name followed by the word ‘Folder' (e.g. JohnDoeFolder.png).

i. Submit the file according to the submission instructions.

Assignment 2B: (For students using a Mac)

You may find these article(s) / video(s) helpful.

• "How to Take a Screenshot"
• "Activity Monitor for Mac OS X Overview"

Complete the following:

1. Viewing system information (Screenshot and written response required)

a. View the system information (i.e., operating system, processor, memory) of the computer. (Help: From the apple navigation item click ‘About This Mac'; This navigation may vary depending on the version of the operating system.)

b. Identify the computer's operating system, version of operating system, processor, and total memory (RAM) installed.

c. Take a screenshot displaying the system information as evidence of completion. Save the screenshot using an image file format (e.g., .png, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, or .bmp). Name the screenshot file using your full name followed by the word ‘System' (e.g. JohnDoeSystem.png).

d. Submit the file and written response according to the submission instructions.

2. Exploring the Activity Monitor (Screenshot and written response required)

a. Navigate to the Activity Monitor on the computer. (Help: From Finder, click on Go in the top menu, then click Utilities, then open Activity Monitor; This navigation may vary depending on the version of the operating system)

b. Record the total number of processes that are actively running.

c. Record the single process that is using the most memory.

d. Take a screenshot displaying the total number of processes running, and the process that is using the most memory as evidence of completion. Save the screenshot using an image file format (e.g., .png, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, or .bmp). Name the screenshot file using your full name followed by the word ‘Activity' (e.g. JohnDoeActivity.png). Note: You may submit two screenshots if necessary.

e. Submit the file(s) and written response according to the submission instructions.

3. Creating a new folder (Screenshot required)

a. Create a folder on the desktop of the computer and name the folder using your full name. (e.g., John Doe).

b. Take a screenshot of the desktop with your newly created folder in the screenshot.

c. Save the screenshot using an image file format (e.g., .png, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, or .bmp). Name the screenshot file using your full name followed by the word 'Folder' (e.g. JohnDoeFolder.png).

d. Submit the file according to the submission instructions.