CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)Operating SystemsMedium
A small business uses several macOS workstations. A user reports that their Mac is running extremely slowly, and applications frequently become unresponsive. The technician suspects a runaway process consuming excessive system resources. Which macOS utility should the technician use to identify and potentially terminate such a process?
- ASystem Information
- BConsole
- CDisk Utility
- DActivity Monitor
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Activity Monitor
Activity Monitor is the macOS equivalent of Windows Task Manager. It provides real-time information about CPU, memory, energy, disk, and network usage, allowing technicians to identify and terminate runaway processes.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. System Information provides detailed hardware and software specifications, but does not monitor or manage active processes.
- B. Console is used for viewing system logs and messages, not for managing live processes.
- C. Disk Utility manages disks and volumes (e.g., formatting, partitioning, First Aid), not active processes.
macOS Activity Monitor
A utility in macOS that displays real-time information about all processes running on the system, including CPU, memory, energy, disk, and network usage.
- Similar to Windows Task Manager.
- Allows users to identify resource-intensive processes.
- Can be used to quit or force quit unresponsive applications and processes.
Memory trick: Activity Monitor: 'Monitor' the 'Activity' of your Mac!