Understanding Your Computer Specs: RAM, OS, and Storage

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How to Screenshot Your Computer’s RAM, OS Version, and Storage Type

If you’ve ever called tech support or tried to fix your own computer, you’ve probably heard questions like:

  • “How much RAM do you have?”
  • “What version of Windows or macOS are you running?”
  • “Is your computer using an SSD or an HDD?”

These questions aren’t random — they help identify how powerful your system is and how well it can run software or handle troubleshooting.
In this activity, you’ll learn what each of these specs means and how to capture them in a screenshot to include in your portfolio.

What You’re Looking At

SpecWhat It MeansWhy It Matters
RAM (Random Access Memory)Think of RAM as your computer’s short-term memory. It temporarily stores data your system is actively using — like open apps and browser tabs.More RAM means you can run more programs at once without your computer slowing down.
OS Version (Operating System)The software that manages your computer and runs everything else. Examples include Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma.Knowing your OS version helps you determine which apps and drivers are compatible. IT specialists always check this when troubleshooting.
Storage Type (SSD or HDD)Your computer’s long-term storage where all files, programs, and the OS live.
• HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Uses spinning disks and moving parts — slower, mechanical, and more prone to wear.• SSD (Solid-State Drive): No moving parts; uses flash memory like a phone. Much faster and more reliable than an HDD.• NVMe SSD (Non-Volatile Memory Express): The fastest type of SSD that connects directly to the motherboard via PCIe lanes. It’s several times faster than a SATA SSD and is the modern standard in newer computers.		Storage type affects boot speed, file access time, and system reliability. Knowing whether your drive is HDD, SATA SSD, or NVMe SSD helps when diagnosing performance issues or recommending upgrades.

How to Capture Your System Specs

For Windows Users

Step 1: Open System Information

  • Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
  • Type msinfo32 and hit Enter.
  • This opens the System Information window.

Step 2: Find RAM and OS Version

  • Under System Summary, look for:
    • Installed Physical Memory (RAM) — this tells you how much memory you have.
    • OS Name and Version — this shows your operating system edition and build.

Step 3: Find Storage Type

  • Right-click the Start button → Disk Management.
  • Find your main drive (usually “C:”), right-click it, and select Properties → Hardware.
  • You’ll see whether your drive says SSD or HDD under its type.

Step 4: Take the Screenshot

  • Press Windows + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool.
  • Drag your mouse to highlight the info and release to capture.
  • The screenshot is copied to your clipboard — paste it into a document or image file with Ctrl + V.

For macOS Users

Step 1: Open About This Mac

  • Click the Apple () menu in the top-left corner.
  • Select About This Mac.

Step 2: Check RAM and OS Version

  • In the Overview tab, note:
    • macOS Version — your operating system name and version.
    • Memory — your total RAM.

Step 3: Check Storage Type

  • In the same window, click the Storage tab.
  • You’ll see whether your Mac uses an SSD or HDD.

Step 4: Take the Screenshot

  • Press Command + Shift + 4, then drag to select the information.
  • The screenshot saves to your Desktop automatically.

For Linux Users

Step 1: Check RAM and OS Version

  • Open the Terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T).
  • Type:
  • lsb_release -a shows your Linux distribution and version (e.g., Ubuntu 24.04, Fedora 40).
  • free -h shows total RAM.

Step 2: Check Storage Type

  • In Terminal, type:
  • If ROTA = 1, the drive is an HDD (rotational).
  • If ROTA = 0, it’s an SSD or NVMe.
  • To confirm if it’s NVMe, look for nvme0n1 or similar in the NAME column.

Step 3: Take the Screenshot

  • Press PrtSc (Print Screen) or use Shift + PrtSc to select the area.
  • On Ubuntu and many Linux desktops, screenshots save to the Pictures folder automatically.

How to Submit for Full Credit

To earn a 100 on this task:

  1. Capture three screenshots — one showing your RAM, one showing your OS version, and one showing your storage type.
  2. Save them in a folder called System Specs – Foundations.
  3. Label each image clearly, like:
    • RAM_Info.png
    • OS_Version.png
    • Storage_Type.png
  4. (Optional) Add a short caption:
    “This screenshot shows my system’s 16 GB RAM, Windows 11 Pro version, and SSD storage.”

Why This Matters

  • RAM determines how smoothly your computer runs.
  • OS Version ensures compatibility with software and updates.
  • Storage Type impacts your system’s speed and durability.

Capturing and saving this information is a basic skill every IT Support Specialist must know. It’s your first step in documenting system specs — just like real-world IT professionals do before troubleshooting.

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